Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia, The (2013)

Steve Barton |

Jan 31, 2013

Cover art:

reviews/hcon2s.jpg

Starring Emily Alyn Lind, Chad Michael Murray, Abigail Spencer, Katee Sackhoff, Cicely Tyson, Grant James

Directed by Tom Elkins

Before we go any further, let’s address the 800-pound gorilla in the room: The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia is NOT a direct sequel to The Haunting in Connecticut, meaning that the original film’s storyline is in no way continued here. That being said, The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia is the first standalone sequel in The Haunting… franchise in much the same way as Halloween III: Season of the Witch relates to the Halloween franchise. You also have to keep in mind the fact that both of these films were based on episodes of the popular “A Haunting” TV series. The only reason I can think of that the film wasn’t just called The Haunting in Georgia is that the powers-that-be wanted to make sure there was some type of name recognition this go-around.

Now, on to the review.

The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia tells the “based on a true story” tale of the Wyrick family, who move into a fine country home that ends up having some spectral tenants. One in particular, who goes by the name of Mr. Gordy (James), quickly befriends our couple’s young daughter, Heidi (Lind). It turns out that Heidi’s mom, Lisa (Spencer), has been seeing ghosts her entire life so it makes sense that this particular gift would be passed down to her daughter. What doesn’t make sense is Lisa’s bitchy attitude about it, but whatever. In any event, once Heidi alerts her folks of Mr. Gordy’s presence, things start going from semi-normal to holy-shit-let’s-get-the-hell-out-of-here in a hurry. Is Mr. Gordy friend or foe? And how will our family cope with the terrible truth about their new home? In a nutshell that’s pretty much it.

The good news is that there’s a lot to like about this flick. It’s home to some solid performances, especially from young Miss Lind, who shines like a star and possesses one hell of a scream already! The scares of are the spooky corpse-laden kind, and some of them are utilized to their full creepy potential. Unfortunately, though the flick is perfectly serviceable, it really has that been there, done that feel to it. And then it happens… an ending so ludicrously saccharin sweet that it nearly negates everything good that came before it. This ridiculous ending feels extremely tacked on and is so sappy that it pretty much defies description and is already a contender for lamest of the year. Do yourself a favor if you watch this flick – just stop at the end the second it goes from nighttime to daytime. You won’t need the epilogue. I wish I could unsee it.

Basically The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia is a good time killer and perfect for a rainy day inside. Personally, I hope this franchise continues as there are lots of creepy tales to tell. Just please, filmmakers, if you do another… leave off the eye-rolling and choke-worthy dollop of cheese. We really don’t need things wrapped up with a bow on top. Thanks.