A struggling, immature Los Angeles-based photographer named Peter (Peter Nelson) discovers that he has inherited an estate from a distant relative in Sweden. His girlfriend Sarah (Kristen Jensen) has just completed her latest novel, so Peter, aware that she could use some R&R, suggests they take a vacation overseas to evaluate what he has inherited. Sarah agrees, but the primary hangup in their relationship is Peter's role with Sarah's deaf and mute son, Dennis (Dennis Castillo). Sarah muses to Peter, who has a habit of teasing Dennis, that her son needs a father figure and not a big brother. Perhaps a new setting and the responsibility of homeownership will ground the flighty shutterbug.
In Sweden, Peter is astonished to discover that he's inherited an impressive mansion. However, there seems to be a force unseen that interests Dennis, who is drawn to a nearby abandoned orphanage. Dennis mentions that he has befriended a boy named Bill, yet neither Peter nor his mother can see his new friend. They learn that the former owner of the house had a son named Bill who died with a handful of orphans courtesy a disease. Bill and his fellow child specters have a plan for Dennis...
STORY $$$: The haunted orphanage at the center of the story offers plenty material for thrills and chills and makes for an interesting and engaging focus. However, there's a general lack of eerie atmosphere here, for the bumps that occur are often bumps in the day, and not the standard "bumps at night." Be that as it may, this film is rather gripping, thanks to the youthful protagonist, who can neither hear nor verbally communicate with others, rendering him almost adrift, unable to detect when help is on its way.
ACTING $$$: None of the actors really standout, either by giving a great or poor performance. Peter Nelson does a fine job with his man-child character, aware that he is supposed to provide for and protect Dennis, but the boy is akin to the nuisance of a kid brother, and Nelson passes off this sentiment well. Kristen Jensen, a cover girl who shows more talent here than most models-turned-actresses, gives a quality performance. Her acting resume is rather light, but the bombshell proves a more than capable actress.
SEX/NUDITY: None. This is a rather tame ghost flick, albeit the scene where Sarah is assaulted by the deranged handyman, who feels that since he fixed the sink, he's entitled to grab her breasts.
In Sweden, Peter is astonished to discover that he's inherited an impressive mansion. However, there seems to be a force unseen that interests Dennis, who is drawn to a nearby abandoned orphanage. Dennis mentions that he has befriended a boy named Bill, yet neither Peter nor his mother can see his new friend. They learn that the former owner of the house had a son named Bill who died with a handful of orphans courtesy a disease. Bill and his fellow child specters have a plan for Dennis...
STORY $$$: The haunted orphanage at the center of the story offers plenty material for thrills and chills and makes for an interesting and engaging focus. However, there's a general lack of eerie atmosphere here, for the bumps that occur are often bumps in the day, and not the standard "bumps at night." Be that as it may, this film is rather gripping, thanks to the youthful protagonist, who can neither hear nor verbally communicate with others, rendering him almost adrift, unable to detect when help is on its way.
ACTING $$$: None of the actors really standout, either by giving a great or poor performance. Peter Nelson does a fine job with his man-child character, aware that he is supposed to provide for and protect Dennis, but the boy is akin to the nuisance of a kid brother, and Nelson passes off this sentiment well. Kristen Jensen, a cover girl who shows more talent here than most models-turned-actresses, gives a quality performance. Her acting resume is rather light, but the bombshell proves a more than capable actress.
SEX/NUDITY: None. This is a rather tame ghost flick, albeit the scene where Sarah is assaulted by the deranged handyman, who feels that since he fixed the sink, he's entitled to grab her breasts.