Very well executed

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Blistering performances.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Saying this movie has bad acting is being unfair to bad actors. My wife walked into the room and remarked on one of the child actor's apparent "issues" but then realized that it was just a very bad performance. But, all the talent (with the exception of the eldest son) in this movie is on an equal, very bad level. This includes the writing and direction and editing and art direction and everything else so one really can't blame the kids. This is an after school movie that couldn't find a school to go after.On the other hand, my 9 year old watched the whole thing and he can be a tough sell. Go figure...

The acting in this movie was like lead and some of the worst I have seen. Not just the kids, but the adults as well.I know this is a kid's movie, but even my imaginary play was more creative than this.The script is awful, the acting worse, every "twist" is expected, and there is really no suspense at all.The animated movies we watch with my son are so much better in script etc. Perhaps not the worst movie ever, but pretty close.The characters are too "obvious" and the concept is no better than the imaginary play that I used to engage in as a child.

As far as Kid Actors, you can't get much better. Maybe "The Sixth Sense" or "Road to Perdition" but those are not for kids. The plot might be a little far fetched but what movie isn't? It is refreshing to see how little kids can entertain us old folks for an hour and a half. I was holding my breath and almost passed out when the little runts entered the haunted house. So scary, so well filmed I could only scream aloud, "Wow that's some good stuff"! It reminds me of how "The Exorcist" made me feel: the nervous sweat, the rapid heartbeat, and the dry mouth. The only cure for what I got would be a quick release of the sequel. Anyhow, I loved this movie so much I bought the video and recommend all kids under fifteen to go out and buy this silly little flick. Peace Out.

**some spoilers but you really have nothing to spoil**This has to be some of the worst acting i have seen in a very long time. It's bland, non inspirated, and frankly, nobody is even trying. That said, this movie goes all over the place. For a ghost story it throws in debt, corporate management, struggling parents, small town buy out, you name it. So at the end of the day, the kids save the day by raising 300k, which their mom owes the IRS so she won't have to sell the shop to the corporate suits which want to build something in its place. Even for a kids movie, it's stupid, and even my girlfriend's 6 year old sister didn't laugh... which is why i was watching this in the first place.