“American Horror House” 2012 – A Silly but Fun SyFy Horror Flick
When you hear the title “American Horror House,” it might be easy to dismiss the film as a cheap knockoff of the popular “American Horror Story” TV series, perhaps an attempt by The Asylum to cash in on the show’s success. However, to my surprise, this SyFy premiere turns out to be more enjoyable than expected. While it isn’t particularly original or scary, the film succeeds in one important aspect: it knows how to entertain. The movie is a delightful mix of fun, gore, and silliness—exactly what you’d expect from a SyFy horror feature.
The film begins with a chilling scene: a young girl brutally murders her parents. The story then shifts to the present day, where we follow a college girl on her way to a violin lesson, only to be dispatched in a similarly grisly fashion. Several months later, a private detective arrives at the sorority house in search of the missing girl, whose family is desperately trying to find her. Meanwhile, the sorority sisters are preoccupied with their own drama, preparing for a big Halloween party. The plot takes a turn when they are tasked with stealing a vintage mascot bear costume as part of their initiation process. Enter the mysterious Miss Margot, played by the ever-youthful Morgan Fairchild, whose hidden agenda begins to unfold during the chaotic party.
Despite the film’s entertaining qualities, there are some notable flaws. The story is erratic, jumping back and forth in time without a clear focus on any particular character until the latter part of the film. The characters themselves are underdeveloped, and the editing leaves something to be desired. However, these shortcomings can be overlooked when considering the fun factor the film brings to the table. It’s not about creating a deep, immersive narrative—it’s about delivering an enjoyable experience, which the filmmakers manage to achieve.
The film doesn’t hold back on the gore. Every few minutes, there’s a death, and when someone dies, they instantly become a ghost. This leads to a chaotic, almost campy series of events where both past and present ghosts wreak havoc. The practical effects are a highlight, offering some delightfully gruesome and bloody moments that any horror fan will appreciate. On the other hand, the CGI used in certain scenes feels less convincing and detracts from the overall experience. The acting, too, is hit or miss, though Morgan Fairchild shines in her role, proving that she’s still as captivating as ever, especially in this quirky setting.
“American Horror House” might not be a perfect horror film, but it certainly delivers a fun ride. Its mix of practical effects, gruesome deaths, and pop culture references make it an entertaining watch, especially when viewed with a group of friends. The film is likely to play much better when you’re hanging out, having drinks, and looking for something lighthearted to enjoy. I’d recommend giving it a go, particularly for fans of over-the-top, campy horror. The talented people behind the scenes succeed in creating a movie that is far from perfect but undeniably fun, making it worth a couple of viewings on a lazy night.
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