Movie Notes: The Ghost And The Darkness
March 6th, 2008
= 2 stars
Starring Val Kilmer, Michael Douglas, Tom Wilkinson
Directed by Stephen Hopkins
Synopsis
Semi-true story of John Henry Patterson (Val Kilmer), dispatched to 1890s Africa to build a railway. Unfortunately, the project goes awry when two lions (the “Tsavo maneaters”) begin lunching on the workers. Professional hunter Charles Remington (Michael Douglas) helps Patterson hunt down the predators.
The Good
- Open air, adventure feel, which soon shifts to a horror / action flick as the lions kill several people and the hunt begins.
- There’s a relatively solid premise of danger. Patterson is in the heart of Africa with a bitchy boss bearing down on him, so he can’t turn and run. Far away from the British Empire, he’s low on resources and armed only with shotguns.
- A timely theme of humans encroaching on nature, and being eaten in return. Shouldn’t be much of a surprise.
The Bad
- Val Kilmer literally sleepwalks through this flick. Only near the end when he decides to take care of business is there a glimmer of life. He was more animated in The Island Of Dr. Moreau.
- Michael Douglas’ appearance is welcome, but his character doesn’t appear for quite some time. His character also seems terribly out of place, almost as if he’s in another film – a western, most likely. I was a bit miffed to later learn that his character was totally fictionalized. I thought this was supposed to be a true story?
- Poor Emily Watson, looking all Mary Steenburgeny, is abruptly yanked off camera in an unintentionally funny bit.
Conclusion
Despite starring Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer, I had never heard of this flick until it showed up as a $0.99 iTunes rental. I think there’s a reason for both my ignorance and Apple’s cheapness. Even at that price, I feel like I lost two hours.
IMDB: The Ghost And The Darkness
Wikipedia: The Ghost And The Darkness
Rotten Tomatoes: The Ghost And The Darkness 53%
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Posted In: 2 Star Movies, Movies 2 stars, Michael Douglas, Stephen Hopkins, Tom Wilkinson, Val Kilmer
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Oh, come on. It wasn’t quite that bad. Okay, maybe it was. But I didn’t feel like it was a waste of $0.99.
I love that you’re writing up all the apple movies of the week now – maybe you should make that a feature
I haven’t had a chance to watch the hours yet let alone the ghost and the darkness – must get apple TV, too much hassle to watch on my computer when i’m already sitting at it all day.
by the way, to answer your question on ParisLemon – yes, I am now officially a full-time blogger/writer
Ha ha, now I’m trying to think of what I could have done with that $0.99 and having a hard time thinking of anything. Maybe buy a bag of Cheetos. Would I have enjoyed that more than this movie? Frankly it’s a toss up.
MG I hope it’s a feature, although I’ve only done two so far. Maybe if I get through four I’ll call it as such. The flick for this week is Changing Lanes.
still waiting too see that film in germany… think it’s not that bad
still waiting too see that film in germany… think it's not that bad
Sorry thats wrong… thougt its a new movie.. that one is quit boring
I have plans to go watch this movie on sunday. I will see if your rating is justified after I see the movie myself…
I have plans to go watch this movie on saturday. I will see if your rating is justified after I see the movie myself.
I don’t think its that bad. maybe the acting but the story is great.
I have heard of and watched this movie a longgggg time ago. maybe you were too young to remember
I don't think its that bad. maybe the acting but the story is great.
I have heard of and watched this movie a longgggg time ago. maybe you were too young to remember
saw this movie a few weeks ago and wasn't that bad..not great, but bearable