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eric-pudalov
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Ghost Lab (2009)
Not the worst I've ever seen...
Having seen a number of paranormal-related shows over the years, Ghost Lab seems to be one of the better ones, but still lacks in some areas.
Although many of the "ghost" shows currently on TV suffer from either poor editing or an unstimulating cast of ghost hunters, Ghost Lab, at the very least, does have an absorbing premise, and features such interesting locations as the town of Deadwood and the house where the Lizzie Borden murders took place. The show also seems well-edited to create good pacing, and the theories that the investigators come up with are sometimes plausible.
Unfortunately, the show suffers from some drama, if you will, centered around the hosts' "provocation" of alleged spirits (particularly by Brad Klinge). In a sense, I suppose this may draw in some viewers, but there are times when it becomes rather annoying and overshadows the investigation itself.
I suppose the problem with any show like this is that investigators never know what kind of evidence they will or will not uncover, and often the results can be lackluster (as opposed to a fictitious drama show). Judge for yourself!
The Bunny Game (2011)
Better Than Expected
The entire reason that I wanted to see The Bunny Game was that I'd heard so much hype about it being incredibly disturbing and realistic.
Without giving too much away, I will say that it is profoundly intense, and not for the average movie viewer. Ironically, it is much less gory than films from the "splatter" genre, such as "Hostel" and "Saw." Instead, the focus is centered around the main character, Bunny, and her tortured experiences as a prostitute.
Perhaps I'm not like some horror fans who feel that more gore = better. Rather, I prefer a good story, even if accompanied by violence. I suppose the most "shocking" scene in the film is the much-talked-about branding scene, because that (and the other violent acts) are not simulated. Yet even that scene is shown in a few edits.
The most disturbing part, for me, is that Bunny (and another character named Martyr) look as though they're genuinely suffering, and not acting. That, in my opinion, is far more disturbing than anything the "torture porn" films have displayed. In this, The Bunny Game succeeds wholeheartedly.
Whether or not the film has a "message" is debatable; I'd say try to go into it with an open mind, and you will not be disappointed.
Ghost Hunters International (2008)
An Absolute Joke...
Let me state, for the record, that I am a fan of paranormal/ghost hunting type shows, and my opinion here is not based on personal beliefs.
That being said, I hated "Ghost Hunters International." Not only does it lack the tension and excitement of the original, but it seems that Barry Fitzgerald and co. draw their conclusions from a minimal amount of investigation.
They'll wander around a haunted location for a few hours during the night with their night-vision cams, etc., and chatter pointlessly throughout. On top of that, they don't seem to "investigate" every room or even the areas of the location that are reported to have the most paranormal activity. Then, based on their brief "hunt," they'll prematurely conclude whether or not a location is haunted.
It may be that this show suffers from a lack of skilled editing, something that shows such as "Paranormal Witness" do not. Besides that, however, it really seems that the investigators are amateurs. No repeat viewing for me.