The Haunting is a Thriller/Horror film with a rating of PG-13. The film stars Liam Neeson, Lili Taylor, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Owen Wilson.

Director Jan de Bont, who also directed films such as Twister and Speed, teamed up with the producers of Jurassic Park to bring another tale of terror. This film is based on Shirley Jackson's classic novel, The Haunting of Hill House. It was also a remake of Robert Wise's, 1963 "The Haunting." 130 years ago, Hill House was built by textile baron Hugh Crain for his wife. Since then, it has been filled with stories of tragedy, which, over time, turned into ominous tales of death. Hill house has been left alone because of the rumors that it is a "haunted" house.

Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson), who is intrigued by the mansion's storied past, has drawn three people to Hill House, for what he tells them is a insomnia study. Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones), a fashion conscience woman of the world whose outward bravado isn't all it seems. Luke (Owen Wilson), the cynic of the group who is the first to suspect that Dr. Marrow's study has nothing to do with sleeping. The most sensitive of the group is Nell (Lili Taylor). From the moment of her arrival, Nell seems mysteriously drawn to the mansion and the attraction is frighteningly mutual. With her curiosity of the house, she is able to answer the long asked questions about the so-called haunted house.

Before long, the ghosts of the past manifest themselves in terrifying visitations that might explain why the group was warned that no one stays in the house in the night in the house after dark. The special effects that go along with the ghosts and ghouls are new and something audiences haven't seen before.

Lili Taylor is absolutely fabulous in the film. Surprisingly, her part is much larger than expected. She has worked a lot in Hollywood, but has usually had smaller parts. At the premier she wore a beautiful, long, lime green velvet dress. You can see Lili Taylor in her next project about the rock'n'roll idol, Janis Joplin. The crowd went wild when Liam Neeson and Catherine Zeta-Jones stepped out of their limousines. Unfortunately, Natasha Richardson did not accompany Liam. Surprisingly, the crowd favorite of the night was Jason Biggs from the summer blockbuster, American Pie.

The stars of the film shared with me how it was to co-star with the spectacular special effects seen in the movie. Director Jan De Bont said he made his actors do everything you see on scene. No stunt doubles were used and the set, which was built in Long Beach, was incredibly realistic. In fact, it actually moved around the actors. Catherine noted that there was a tape recorder on set that made the sounds to keep them scared while filming. The actors didn't even hear the sounds until it was time to tape the scene. But she also said there were times when the wrong button was pressed and the cast would laugh hysterically. Liam said that the cast really enjoyed working together and had a great time while filming.