(star)(star) 1/2
How curious that this richly textured, engaging IMAX-format animated feature is banned by 20 IMAX Corp. owned and operated theaters — when it, in fact, elevates what IMAX films could be. The impressive still wins out over the expressive, but “Haunted Castle” has what fellow IMAX films like “Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man” and “CyberWorld 3D” are sorely lacking: a cohesive plot, visual style and structure.
The core of the controversy surrounding “Haunted Castle” is this: After IMAX Corp. vice president Mary Pat Ryan saw the film, she announced that IMAX owned and operated cinemas would not be showing the film on the grounds that it is “quite violent,” isn’t “family-friendly” and could “diminish the value of the IMAX brand.”
But “Haunted Castle” does anything but diminish IMAX.
The story follows fledgling rock star Johnny through the castle left him by his recently deceased mother. Although Johnny never really knew his mother (she left him at age 3), music seems to be in the genes as she herself was a chanteuse. Upon entering the castle, however, Johnny finds that Mommy had some help. “Mr. D,” or the devil, managed her career smashingly, but not without a price. And, although she broke her contract, Mr. D wants to offer Johnny the same deal. When he refuses, Mr. D tries to change his mind and sends him on a tour through the castle (essentially hell).
“Haunted Castle” is part movie and part amusement park ride, although it’s far more effective as the latter. Slightly scarier than Disneyland’s “Haunted Mansion” attraction, “Castle” features a few scenes of souls being tortured and mechanical monkeys getting the wrecking ball.
The sequences are in service to the plot, however, and while young children may find the material disturbing, kids old enough to play video games won’t be shocked or scared.
“Haunted Castle” isn’t perfect filmmaking, but it does point IMAX films in the direction they should be going — toward innovative, visually imaginative and engaging storytelling.
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“Haunted Castle” opens Friday at several IMAX theaters. Running time: 0:40. MPAA rating: PG (animated horror, scenes of souls being tortured).
