Haunted High (2012) is a vengeful spirit horror film set in a haunted school theme. Although its TMDB score is 4.3/10, if you're a fan of B-movie horror that doesn't take itself too seriously, this film has its own charm, especially with the appearances of talented actors like Danny Trejo and M.C. Gainey, which elevate its appeal.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins at Haloman High School when a sudden earthquake causes a group of troublemaking students to accidentally release an evil spirit trapped beneath the school. The spirit, named Mike Kearney (played by M.C. Gainey), is filled with vengeance and begins possessing students one by one, leading to a series of murders throughout the school. Only Ortiz (Danny Trejo), the school caretaker, notices the abnormality and tries to stop the evil spirit from regaining full power.
Acting and Characters
The standout feature of the film is the performance of Danny Trejo as Ortiz, the stern but mysterious caretaker who knows about the evil spirit. Although the role isn't deep, Trejo conveys intimidation and authority well. M.C. Gainey as the vengeful spirit Mike Kearney also portrays evil quite chillingly. However, most of the younger actors deliver stiff performances, especially the lead Jonathan Baron, who seems emotionally detached, reducing the overall horror atmosphere.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Jeffery Scott Lando uses traditional jump scare techniques and creates a decent abandoned school atmosphere. However, due to budget constraints, the cinematography looks dated and lacks realism in many scenes, especially the CGI effects which appear cheesy and not scary at all. The musical score is unremarkable, relying mainly on loud sounds to startle, which may feel outdated to viewers accustomed to modern horror films.
Editorial Analysis
Haunted High is a film suited for classic horror fans who enjoy straightforward fun without complex interpretations. The plot resembles many haunted school movies we've seen, but the film has charm in its cheesiness and earnest attempt to create scares. Although the result is imperfect, for Danny Trejo fans, seeing him wield weapons against a spirit is entertaining. However, if you're looking for realistic and truly frightening horror, this film may not meet your expectations.
Verdict
For fans of B-movie horror who want to see Danny Trejo in a different role, Haunted High is a fun, mindless watch. But if you expect high-quality horror, this film may not satisfy you.
👍 Pros
- +Performances by Danny Trejo and M.C. Gainey elevate the film
- +Abandoned school atmosphere and classic vengeful spirit concept
- +Suitable for those who enjoy B-movie horror without taking it seriously
👎 Cons
- −Outdated and unrealistic CGI effects
- −Shallow screenplay and character development
- −Most horror scenes rely on predictable jump scares
Top Cast
FAQ
It's a vengeful spirit horror film where an earthquake at a school releases an evil spirit trapped beneath, which then possesses students, leading to a series of murders.
For modern horror fans, it may not be very scary due to traditional jump scares and dated CGI, but some scenes can be moderately chilling.
Danny Trejo plays Ortiz, the school caretaker who knows the secret about the evil spirit and tries to stop it.
Currently, there is only one film, but it claims to be based on the Haunted High series, a horror TV series.
