Is this a GREAT movie that has you on the edge of your seat..? Is this something you tell your friends and family about..? Absolutely not... and it's not meant to be. It's your average movie with its average twist and turns. BUT, it keeps your attention and it keeps it well. It keeps you on your toes enough to be intrigued. I found myself enjoying this film immensely. I found it to be hilarious at times, slightly scary at times, and quite intriguing at times. I would recommend this movie to anyone looking for a solid casual movie night.
43 Reviews
Corny but Fun!
tammyjune27 November 2020
All We're Asking Of You, Is a Couple Hours Of Non-Paranormal Activity
wandernn1-81-68327411 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
So we start out here with a conversation about a mortgage. Very weird conversation. So Richard the real estate guy he doesn't want to sell a house to a couple that can' afford it. Good for him.
Then Richard and Dave go to check out a House they are going to be trying to sell.
They find out the SLEEPSTALKER used to live there. So this house is a place where an 'alleged murderer' used to LIVE.
Haha so they are going to FLIP this house. Richard starts hearing a voice saying 'get out!!!' Haha, when the lights go out, they run out of there screaming like little girls. So next we have more searching of the House. Richard sees a bunch of ghostly figures and starts screaming. Anyways they flee the House.
Next day they return. Richard talks to the House. Explains that his Mom is sick and they have to sell the house to afford for her medical expenses. So the House has now been TOLD!!!!
So over the course of the day, several scary moments are had. And Funny! LOL.. The Plugged Toilet!!! Angry Bees!!!
+1 Star for the Lunch in Car conversation after those scenes of complete misery for the sellers.
So then they have an OPEN HOUSE, and RICHARD makes a speech to the HOUSE, asking the HOUSE not to interfere. People start arriving. When they are about to start their auction, a woman starts totally running her mouth about the House being haunted. And the walls of the House start bleeding. Everyone runs screaming!! I guess that could mess up a sale eh???
So finally they bring in FATHER JIMMY!!! Now Let's BUST SOME GHOSTS!!! Father Jimmy is there to EXORCISE the HOUSE!!!! FATHER JIMMY RUNS OUT SCREAMING!
Then more attempts to sell the House. Richard finally finds a buyer, SOME WITCHES!!!
+1 Star LOL for Richards speech to the House after SELLING, and then HIS MOM POSSESSED by the HOUSE!!!
Okay then Richard gets POSSESSED, and the movie gets pretty stupid as Richard now tries to kill MARY.
-1 Star for the Richard with Knife vs. Mary, Mom, Dave, Ginger scene, that was just dumb
Okay but there are THREE!! THREE EPILOGUE SCENES IN THE END CREDITS
+1 Star for the first two wiht Dave , Ginger, and Mary are pretty funny.
Okay this movie was pretty funny. I liked it, 7/10.
Then Richard and Dave go to check out a House they are going to be trying to sell.
They find out the SLEEPSTALKER used to live there. So this house is a place where an 'alleged murderer' used to LIVE.
Haha so they are going to FLIP this house. Richard starts hearing a voice saying 'get out!!!' Haha, when the lights go out, they run out of there screaming like little girls. So next we have more searching of the House. Richard sees a bunch of ghostly figures and starts screaming. Anyways they flee the House.
Next day they return. Richard talks to the House. Explains that his Mom is sick and they have to sell the house to afford for her medical expenses. So the House has now been TOLD!!!!
So over the course of the day, several scary moments are had. And Funny! LOL.. The Plugged Toilet!!! Angry Bees!!!
+1 Star for the Lunch in Car conversation after those scenes of complete misery for the sellers.
So then they have an OPEN HOUSE, and RICHARD makes a speech to the HOUSE, asking the HOUSE not to interfere. People start arriving. When they are about to start their auction, a woman starts totally running her mouth about the House being haunted. And the walls of the House start bleeding. Everyone runs screaming!! I guess that could mess up a sale eh???
So finally they bring in FATHER JIMMY!!! Now Let's BUST SOME GHOSTS!!! Father Jimmy is there to EXORCISE the HOUSE!!!! FATHER JIMMY RUNS OUT SCREAMING!
Then more attempts to sell the House. Richard finally finds a buyer, SOME WITCHES!!!
+1 Star LOL for Richards speech to the House after SELLING, and then HIS MOM POSSESSED by the HOUSE!!!
Okay then Richard gets POSSESSED, and the movie gets pretty stupid as Richard now tries to kill MARY.
-1 Star for the Richard with Knife vs. Mary, Mom, Dave, Ginger scene, that was just dumb
Okay but there are THREE!! THREE EPILOGUE SCENES IN THE END CREDITS
+1 Star for the first two wiht Dave , Ginger, and Mary are pretty funny.
Okay this movie was pretty funny. I liked it, 7/10.
Original premise, talented cast, some odds and ends
Hallelujah28915 January 2022
Horror comedy done well. Quite the gem! The opening sequence is brilliant with the foreboding quote. Very good cast but most especially lead actor Gabriel Diani whose dry delivery sells the humor amidst horrific mainstays like bleeding walls. Also very talented rival real estate agent played by Janet Varney plays a great opposite with her cold hearted tactics against Gabriel Diane's too much niceness.
Other highlights include the terrifying Sunday school teacher played by Barry Bostwick. Merciless humor!
Other facets did not quite play out though. I expected Gabriel Diani's honesty to get him into more trouble which didn't happen. And some other actors did not quite hit the mark (Jonathan Klein as the best friend-funny script moments but a little rote). The ending also left a loose end which while expected does have terrible consequences if you think about it.
However, with everything given, this film wins for its originality and execution. Very nice use of music, some stellar moments when the music stops and starts leading to both scariness and laughs. Nicely done!
Other highlights include the terrifying Sunday school teacher played by Barry Bostwick. Merciless humor!
Other facets did not quite play out though. I expected Gabriel Diani's honesty to get him into more trouble which didn't happen. And some other actors did not quite hit the mark (Jonathan Klein as the best friend-funny script moments but a little rote). The ending also left a loose end which while expected does have terrible consequences if you think about it.
However, with everything given, this film wins for its originality and execution. Very nice use of music, some stellar moments when the music stops and starts leading to both scariness and laughs. Nicely done!
Seemed like such a good premise for a horror movie
tajvida22 November 2012
After reading the plot synopsis on the back of the DVD box, I was primed for a funny horror movie, with a clever story.
While the movie did deliver some funny/ironic lines, and was sort of a novel twist on the tired "haunted house" genre, it failed to ever really engage me, and the characters rarely rose above silly stereotypes.
Aside from some decent paranormal special effects, the overall "look" of the movie was cheap and low budget, which isn't always necessarily a bad thing, but I think it did hinder my enjoyment of the film.
I was looking forward to Barry Bostwick's turn as the priest, but was half asleep by the time he made his appearance...
All in all, I would have to sadly not recommend this movie.
While the movie did deliver some funny/ironic lines, and was sort of a novel twist on the tired "haunted house" genre, it failed to ever really engage me, and the characters rarely rose above silly stereotypes.
Aside from some decent paranormal special effects, the overall "look" of the movie was cheap and low budget, which isn't always necessarily a bad thing, but I think it did hinder my enjoyment of the film.
I was looking forward to Barry Bostwick's turn as the priest, but was half asleep by the time he made his appearance...
All in all, I would have to sadly not recommend this movie.
Disappointing...
jfost7513 October 2020
The trailer for this made me think perhaps it would be a good horror comedy, however the actual viewing of the movie was everything but good.
The plot is about a loser guy buys a haunted house in Hope's of flipping it to help his sick mother. In the process, he is helped by his self centered friend and a goofy waitress/self proclaimed ghost advocate.
The acting was "meh" at best, the scares were neither scary or funny. I found my mind wandering a LOT during this film and I can't recall it ever actually making me laugh. I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone, not even someone I disliked...
SERIOUSLY Underrated!!extremely funny and a must see!!
joiningjt23 November 2020
The people who give this a low eatibg take things to SERIOUSLY!! Its a funny movie with not a lot of horror but a heck of a lot of comedy
Great cast, great story and phenomenal directing!! I highly recommend you watch this little gem I have no idea why this didnt go mainstream. If you want a good laugh watch this hilarious movie. P.s. watch all of the credits!!
The acting is stronger than the script; the script is stronger than the direction.
benvarkentine-329-46279924 March 2013
I particularly want to applaud Gabriel Diani for not overplaying too much
except for one or two scenes where overplaying is, frankly, called for.
Diani also wrote the movie, and working from his script, Etta Devine creates a character who in a bigger budget movie would be a manic pixie dream girl, with whom sex or even the mere *promise* of same would heal and encourage the lead at his lowest point.
Ginger Sparks--it's a movie name, but one I'm willing to let go because she seems like the kind of woman who would change her real name to that- -has a bit more substance.
She's not fully formed yet; we don't get enough hints as to who she is or what her interests are when not serving the plot. But I'd like to see her character return...preferably in a better structured script; in a film directed by someone who better knows how to film a joke.
Credit where it is due: It's a pet peeve of mine when films try to replace dialogue with references to other films. As if characters sitting around paraphrasing movies were inherently funny. This movie contains almost nothing of that, though an early invoking of Ferris Bueller made me tense for a few seconds. Later, when a line comes that does play off a classic movie quote, it caught me *completely* off-guard and made me snort with laughter. Well played.
Unfortunately, it's the funniest part of the script, which otherwise fails to find a satisfactory balance between scares and humor; never quite delivering everything it promises.
A misfire by clearly talented people, whose names I intend remembering (luckily, they're pretty memorable).
Diani also wrote the movie, and working from his script, Etta Devine creates a character who in a bigger budget movie would be a manic pixie dream girl, with whom sex or even the mere *promise* of same would heal and encourage the lead at his lowest point.
Ginger Sparks--it's a movie name, but one I'm willing to let go because she seems like the kind of woman who would change her real name to that- -has a bit more substance.
She's not fully formed yet; we don't get enough hints as to who she is or what her interests are when not serving the plot. But I'd like to see her character return...preferably in a better structured script; in a film directed by someone who better knows how to film a joke.
Credit where it is due: It's a pet peeve of mine when films try to replace dialogue with references to other films. As if characters sitting around paraphrasing movies were inherently funny. This movie contains almost nothing of that, though an early invoking of Ferris Bueller made me tense for a few seconds. Later, when a line comes that does play off a classic movie quote, it caught me *completely* off-guard and made me snort with laughter. Well played.
Unfortunately, it's the funniest part of the script, which otherwise fails to find a satisfactory balance between scares and humor; never quite delivering everything it promises.
A misfire by clearly talented people, whose names I intend remembering (luckily, they're pretty memorable).
Almost as Scarry as the actual real estate market
glennsauber24 April 2011
The Selling is a great example of the Little Movie That Could. With a small budget, a first-time director, and a cast of mostly unknowns; it COULD have been a disaster. Most films with these conditions end up with bad acting, predictable dialogue, and aren't over soon enough. But The Selling avoids all of these pitfalls and just chugs right along, and ends up being a delightful, entertaining movie with heart (complete with pumping blood) and just enough laughs to keep older kids and adults alike entertained throughout.
Written by and starring Gabe Diani, the movie is filled almost equally with suspense and horror as much as it is slapstick humor and dialogue that would make Abbott and Costello proud. First time director Emily Lou keeps the pace going and makes it seem like this under-exposed cast has been working together for years.
Told without a swear word, this is a GREAT movie for families, although it may be unsuitable for the wee ones due to the blood & scary scenes as well as a quick drug references.
Over all, I gave this movie an 9 out of 10. Not bad at all for some first-time film makers, and I have the feeling its only going to get better from here.
Written by and starring Gabe Diani, the movie is filled almost equally with suspense and horror as much as it is slapstick humor and dialogue that would make Abbott and Costello proud. First time director Emily Lou keeps the pace going and makes it seem like this under-exposed cast has been working together for years.
Told without a swear word, this is a GREAT movie for families, although it may be unsuitable for the wee ones due to the blood & scary scenes as well as a quick drug references.
Over all, I gave this movie an 9 out of 10. Not bad at all for some first-time film makers, and I have the feeling its only going to get better from here.
No Sale
yargyenrac30 September 2020
Not completely terrible, but deeply flawed. Lacks direction, and is poorly written with lots of obvious jokes. Acting was mostly okay, with a nice cameo from Barry Bostwick of Rocky Horror fame. Some scenes, however, were overacted, and the cast was a bit uneven. Worth a look, but don't expect much.
Keep Your Expectations Low
fudanchu17 November 2012
Blending comedy with light horror is not often done well. Beetlejuice, Death Becomes Her, and Gremlins come to mind, but don't get your hopes up that this will deliver those sorts of special effects, acting chops, or funny moments. While this film made a good effort it is fairly predictable and solidly aimed to the younger crowd...which is fine except it's likely to scare them more than it amuses.
The bottom line: there are simply not enough funny parts. If you think you'll like this, just rent Beetlejuice again...a 1998 movie that is still the best of it's kind even as 2013 approaches. Perhaps it's not fair to compare a b-movie film to older blockbusters, but at the end of day this genre seems to have timeless jokes - so you might as well go with the best ones rather than the most current.
The bottom line: there are simply not enough funny parts. If you think you'll like this, just rent Beetlejuice again...a 1998 movie that is still the best of it's kind even as 2013 approaches. Perhaps it's not fair to compare a b-movie film to older blockbusters, but at the end of day this genre seems to have timeless jokes - so you might as well go with the best ones rather than the most current.
Seriously stupid. Bad writing and acting
sightseerv9 March 2022
The kind of film Hollywood should strive for
heatheraqha4 May 2011
It's hard to decide what genre The Selling falls into- there are elements of comedy, horror, sci-fi, and drama... but by the time the opening credits have finished, you know you are in for a great ride.
With humble nods to films such as The Amityville Horror, The Shining, and Poltergeist, there are very real moments of suspense and tension. Yet given the comedic roots of the cast and crew, it's no surprise that the audience burst into laughter throughout the film. A healthy mix of improbable situations, physical gags, and one-liners keep the film feeling snappy and smart. Personally, I found the "Sizzler" bit and actor Cole Stratton's exhaustive America's Next Top Model monologue (which was entirely improvised, taking full advantage of Stratton's talent and improv background) to be among the funniest scenes.
Simply put, the cast is superb. Writer/actor Gabe Diani handles the complex and nuanced role of Richard with ease. He reminds me of a young Tom Hanks: charming, intensely likable, slightly awkward but full of promise. Janet Varney is perfect as the beautiful but ethically flexible real estate agent Mary- a character you can never quite decide if you love or hate. Jonathan Klein provides comic relief without ever resorting to stupidity as Dave, and Etta Devine gives Ginger the quirkiness and heart that drive her motivations. Richard's mother, played by Nancy Lenehan, is part June Cleaver and part Betty White, wrapped up in a mom that we all recognize as our own. As a last ditch effort to de-spook the house, we are treated to Barry Bostwick in the role of priest a la The Exorcist. This cameo appearance is not put to waste, as Bostwick absolutely rules the screen.
The script is original, fresh, and clever. Diani takes the concept of a realtor burdened with a haunted house and guides the story in a way that feels honest and natural. Emily Lou's direction makes a relatively low budget 2-week shoot feel like a full blown studio production. Everything about The Selling is polished to a shine. The occasional use of cheesy special effects is greatly outweighed by the times it's done right. Even the poster looks like it belongs in a megaplex among the latest from Spielberg and Scorsese.
If you get the (rare, sadly) opportunity to see this film, do yourself a favor and go. It's even appropriate for the 12+ crowd; the lack of cursing and sparse gore keep it friendly without ever feeling "toned down." With any luck, someone from a financial powerhouse of a film studio will find this movie and snatch up the creators to make another gem. Until then, I'll wish them the best in "selling it" however they can.
With humble nods to films such as The Amityville Horror, The Shining, and Poltergeist, there are very real moments of suspense and tension. Yet given the comedic roots of the cast and crew, it's no surprise that the audience burst into laughter throughout the film. A healthy mix of improbable situations, physical gags, and one-liners keep the film feeling snappy and smart. Personally, I found the "Sizzler" bit and actor Cole Stratton's exhaustive America's Next Top Model monologue (which was entirely improvised, taking full advantage of Stratton's talent and improv background) to be among the funniest scenes.
Simply put, the cast is superb. Writer/actor Gabe Diani handles the complex and nuanced role of Richard with ease. He reminds me of a young Tom Hanks: charming, intensely likable, slightly awkward but full of promise. Janet Varney is perfect as the beautiful but ethically flexible real estate agent Mary- a character you can never quite decide if you love or hate. Jonathan Klein provides comic relief without ever resorting to stupidity as Dave, and Etta Devine gives Ginger the quirkiness and heart that drive her motivations. Richard's mother, played by Nancy Lenehan, is part June Cleaver and part Betty White, wrapped up in a mom that we all recognize as our own. As a last ditch effort to de-spook the house, we are treated to Barry Bostwick in the role of priest a la The Exorcist. This cameo appearance is not put to waste, as Bostwick absolutely rules the screen.
The script is original, fresh, and clever. Diani takes the concept of a realtor burdened with a haunted house and guides the story in a way that feels honest and natural. Emily Lou's direction makes a relatively low budget 2-week shoot feel like a full blown studio production. Everything about The Selling is polished to a shine. The occasional use of cheesy special effects is greatly outweighed by the times it's done right. Even the poster looks like it belongs in a megaplex among the latest from Spielberg and Scorsese.
If you get the (rare, sadly) opportunity to see this film, do yourself a favor and go. It's even appropriate for the 12+ crowd; the lack of cursing and sparse gore keep it friendly without ever feeling "toned down." With any luck, someone from a financial powerhouse of a film studio will find this movie and snatch up the creators to make another gem. Until then, I'll wish them the best in "selling it" however they can.
The best ghost story I've ever seen!
peggywoolsey5 January 2013
I loved the industrious, down to earth character, with the unbelievable name of Richard Scarry. His partner Dave with an opposite personality type, played a perfect foil. The quirky character Ginger increased their interest of the story. Richard's mom and Richard's priest from childhood are played by big name stars Nancy Lenehan & Barry Bostwick. Richard and Dave play real estate agents who want to buy a fixer upper, with a plan to fix and flip. An unscrupulous agent in their office sells an unmarketable property to them. As they start renovations, they discover why the property is under priced. When they hold an open house, their clients run the gamut of real estate shoppers. The hideous situation turns into a hysterical comedy! This little independent film gave me more huge guffaws, than most studio comedies. This is a must see!
A Real Horror!
Signet13 November 2020
Unfunny, unsuspenseful, and unworthy of anyone's time. I gave it two stars because I know that everybody involved in this project had high hopes, both for a better film and an improvement for their careers. And I wish them well. But, without further ado, I simply must declare that this is one of the worst movies I have seen in the past decade. Just move along, there is nothing happening here.
An absolute GEM!
elkane855 July 2012
I saw this film with my husband at the Fright Night Film Festival in Louisville, Kentucky. After seeing the trailer, I thought we would be in for a cute/silly indie horror-comedy flick. I was not prepared for The Selling to be one of the funniest comedy feature films that I have seen in many years. This film is chock full of hilarious lines (that we found ourselves quoting the entire drive back to Florida)and comedic situations that had us roaring with laughter. Seeing Barry Bostwick as the priest attempting to exercise the house of its spirits was the cherry on top of this great film.
To put it simply, this film is a must-see. I am a filmmaker myself (my film, Loverboy, played in the same festival where I saw this) and I felt it an honor to play in the same festival as the Selling. I hope a major company picks this film up for distribution. I know if they do it will be a massive hit.
Great job to the cast and crew. 10 out of 10. Without a doubt!
To put it simply, this film is a must-see. I am a filmmaker myself (my film, Loverboy, played in the same festival where I saw this) and I felt it an honor to play in the same festival as the Selling. I hope a major company picks this film up for distribution. I know if they do it will be a massive hit.
Great job to the cast and crew. 10 out of 10. Without a doubt!
It could have been so much more...
paul_haakonsen22 November 2020
When I read the synopsis for "The Selling", I must admit that my interest was immediately caught, because it sounded like this horror comedy could prove to be something rather unique.
I must admit, though, that I hadn't even heard about the existence of this 2011 movie from writer Gabriel Diani and director Emily Lou Wilbur before now late in 2020, as I had the chance to sit down and watch it.
And watched it I did. But the movie was sort of disappointing for me. While it had the promise and contents of potentially being something memorable and outstanding, the movie just fell short of being just that. Director Emily Lou Wilbur just failed to utilize everything that was readily available there for the taking. And that made for a less than mediocre movie.
The storyline had shortcomings, and it felt like too much opportunity was just squandered, and too many funny moments were just tragically cut short and weren't given the time or chance to bring about the laughs that could have been had.
As for the acting in the movie, well I found that to be good. I wasn't familiar with the cast, which is something I enjoy. But the actors and actresses were just restrained in their chances and put on memorable performances by the script and the director.
"The Selling" ended up being a semi-watchable movie for me. I managed to sit through it, sure, but I wasn't particularly entertained. The movie could have been so much more. This is hardly the movie that warrants more than a single viewing, as the contents just simply cannot support that.
My rating of "The Selling" lands on a generous four out of ten stars. "The Selling" had the potential to be something truly outstanding and unique, but ended up on the shelf of less-than-mediocre-horror-comedies.
I must admit, though, that I hadn't even heard about the existence of this 2011 movie from writer Gabriel Diani and director Emily Lou Wilbur before now late in 2020, as I had the chance to sit down and watch it.
And watched it I did. But the movie was sort of disappointing for me. While it had the promise and contents of potentially being something memorable and outstanding, the movie just fell short of being just that. Director Emily Lou Wilbur just failed to utilize everything that was readily available there for the taking. And that made for a less than mediocre movie.
The storyline had shortcomings, and it felt like too much opportunity was just squandered, and too many funny moments were just tragically cut short and weren't given the time or chance to bring about the laughs that could have been had.
As for the acting in the movie, well I found that to be good. I wasn't familiar with the cast, which is something I enjoy. But the actors and actresses were just restrained in their chances and put on memorable performances by the script and the director.
"The Selling" ended up being a semi-watchable movie for me. I managed to sit through it, sure, but I wasn't particularly entertained. The movie could have been so much more. This is hardly the movie that warrants more than a single viewing, as the contents just simply cannot support that.
My rating of "The Selling" lands on a generous four out of ten stars. "The Selling" had the potential to be something truly outstanding and unique, but ended up on the shelf of less-than-mediocre-horror-comedies.
A Lot of Nonsense.
jhmoondance2 January 2022
Well......that was a load of nonsense about nothing. The story was crap n the plot was worse. There were no tense scenes just random nothingness. No suspense no nothing. I wasted 1hr n 29mins of my time on this rubbish n toilet humour.
The acting was diabolical n the characters were lame n dense.
The ending was worse than the movie.
I can not recommend this movie at all. It was pure garbage.
The acting was diabolical n the characters were lame n dense.
The ending was worse than the movie.
I can not recommend this movie at all. It was pure garbage.
Wildly Overrated!
Go_For_The_Jugular8 June 2023
I'm sorry, but I'm just not understanding all the hype surrounding this film.
Firstly, it's streaming free on 'Amazon Freevee', which is usually a good indication that it's going to be crap!
I love the idea/plot, but it just didn't hold my attention. I switched it off after about 30 minutes.
It looks cheap, sounds cheap, poor acting, slow and boring pace, very cringe...basically all the things I hate in movies.
Seems more like someone's passion project, more than anything else. Budget seems to be about the seem as a week's grocery shopping.
I didn't watch long enough to judge any CGI, but in the 30 minutes I did watch, all the 'horror' happens off screen - (furniture is placed neatly, camera cuts to actor's face, you hear a bang, camera cuts back and the furniture is stacked in a pile).
I have nothing against someone having a go at making a movie...that's more than I've done, but it's a BIG no from me!
Firstly, it's streaming free on 'Amazon Freevee', which is usually a good indication that it's going to be crap!
I love the idea/plot, but it just didn't hold my attention. I switched it off after about 30 minutes.
It looks cheap, sounds cheap, poor acting, slow and boring pace, very cringe...basically all the things I hate in movies.
Seems more like someone's passion project, more than anything else. Budget seems to be about the seem as a week's grocery shopping.
I didn't watch long enough to judge any CGI, but in the 30 minutes I did watch, all the 'horror' happens off screen - (furniture is placed neatly, camera cuts to actor's face, you hear a bang, camera cuts back and the furniture is stacked in a pile).
I have nothing against someone having a go at making a movie...that's more than I've done, but it's a BIG no from me!
Light, original, kooky fun comedy.
Opinate29 November 2020
I loved this little gem of a horcom and can't recommend it highly enough!
I put this movie on half expecting to trash it partway through but found myself laughing harder than I have in a long time, watching till the last frame to ensure I had caught every bit of comedy tucked inside the credits.
Give it a watch if you don't take your horror too seriously and you like a little silly slapstick goofiness. I really hope to see more from the writer, director, producers and actors!
Stupid but decent
LoverOfFilmsAndMusic29 November 2020
Really surprised how much I loved this.
tracey-4301614 October 2020
It's been a long time since I have watched a horror comedy and actually laughed out loud..the main character Richard is absolutely brilliant, he had me laughing alot. All the characters are great actually, a good light hearted ghost story with frights and laughs. Pleasantly surprised with how good this was.
Really funny, and surprising. Tucker, and Dale Vs. House 2.
face-819-93372628 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
It's like Tucker, and Dale try to sell House 1 or 2, then just for more slapstick a bit of Mousehunt thrown into the mix. Very funny movie, completely tongue firmly in cheek all the way. Bleeding walls are a must. Great story played out by a very good cast of somewhat well knows. How do you sell a house full of ghosts in this economy without telling anyone that the house was once owned by a famous, though unconvicted serial killer? Really fun and full of life for a house full of dead people. My only problem with the movie as a whole and this always takes a point off, but the whole story is shown in the credits, and that is never good. I think you will Enjoy this one for all the right reasons, and if not then just because it is smart, and unique, and those are reason enough.
Just what I was looking for
mlcisallyouget5 October 2020
This movie was just what I was looking for. I'm so glad I decided to give it a chance after reading some of the not so good reviews. Those who didn't like it must not have any sense of humor or fun and take themselves and movies way too seriously. There seems to be a dearth of either classic or decent family Halloween type movies this year on either Netflix or Amazon, or new movies that aren't just slasher or over-the-top creepy. I wanted something not too heavy on the horror or adult situations and not too light on substance for our family (2 adults and 2 teens) to watch. We laughed all the way through this one, and there were mild scares and some unexpected twists as well. It's like an homage to all the classic scary movies but with added humor and a fresh new plot. I could guess what was going to happen next in a lot of places which was ok, but there were enough twists to surprise us and make it entertaining and funny. I think this is a new family favorite! I'd better buy a copy in case we can't find it on streaming platforms next year when we want to see it again. Make sure to watch it through the credits, too.
A Nutshell Review: The Selling
DICK STEEL17 September 2011
Ask anyone if real estate agents have ethics, and you're bound to get a fair share of horror stories about those who don't, for the sake of sales revenue and to line their own pockets with fat commissions, who can sell just about any property by glossing over pertinent details and avoiding taboo ones so that some sucker out there would lay down some hard earned capital. For Richard Scarry (Gabriel Diani), he's a down to earth, all round nice guy who just couldn't lie, and finds himself in a fix when he and his business partner Dave Ross (Jonathan Klein) got duped by a rival agent Mary (Janet Verney) in getting a haunted house (along Elm Street no less) on their portfolio, only to find that getting rid of it isn't exactly a walk in the park.
Gabriel Diani, who also wrote the story, had crafted a fine, independent film that's essentially a horror-comedy treatment sorely missed these days, where its intend to scare is light, and balanced with a good dose of comedy and wit as it pays homage to a number of horror classics that genre fans will not fail to identify. What's more, there's a fair bit of narrative going on with a piece of mystery woven in, since it involves no less than 12 ghosts, where their unfinished business gets in the way of our real estate agents who try their best to auction the house, only to have their efforts thwarted since nobody in the right frame of mind will want to get something alive like Hausu.
If I can draw some parallels, it's story-telling is along the same vein as Ghostbusters as well as The Frighteners, with the ghouls are none too threatening, and despite it being modestly budgeted, have enough special effects magic in it to juice the film up, while not forsaking what's primarily essential in any film, a solid storyline. It's almost like a tale of two halves, where we get to see indirect references to recent housing woes in the USA and the comedic bantering between man and spirit as Richard and Dave try to find a compromise with the inherent occupants of the property, and montages used as set pieces for comedy when all things are light and dandy. The later half though progressively got a bit more sinister with intent and objectives being revealed, though again fit for young ones as events were kept deliberately light for broad based appeal.
What worked in its favour is the strength of the characters that Diani created, although some may argue that they're pretty much one-dimensional, such as Dave as the partner whose nature and mannerisms never fail to become punchlines, or how Mary as their nemesis they love to hate remains pretty much consistent throughout, each character has enough quirks to make them uniquely appealing. Gabriel Diani himself probably plays the most complex amongst all since he's the leading man undergoing profound experiences, while real life partner Etta Devine stars as the ghostly expert/blogger who lends a helping hand. Nancy Lenehan plays Richard's cancer-suffering mom who still has a degree of spunk for life and attitude, and the banter between mother and son as mentioned by Diani during the Q&A, is based very much with his own late mother.
The Selling scores in it not trying too hard, and has many endearing elements that demands a second viewing. I know it's still early in the festival, but this will probably end up as one of the most entertaining that packs a solid narrative punch despite its compact 90 minutes. Highly recommended so make sure you do get to watch it if you can as it does its festival rounds. Stay tuned throughout the end credits as well for a number of comedic stingers.
Gabriel Diani, who also wrote the story, had crafted a fine, independent film that's essentially a horror-comedy treatment sorely missed these days, where its intend to scare is light, and balanced with a good dose of comedy and wit as it pays homage to a number of horror classics that genre fans will not fail to identify. What's more, there's a fair bit of narrative going on with a piece of mystery woven in, since it involves no less than 12 ghosts, where their unfinished business gets in the way of our real estate agents who try their best to auction the house, only to have their efforts thwarted since nobody in the right frame of mind will want to get something alive like Hausu.
If I can draw some parallels, it's story-telling is along the same vein as Ghostbusters as well as The Frighteners, with the ghouls are none too threatening, and despite it being modestly budgeted, have enough special effects magic in it to juice the film up, while not forsaking what's primarily essential in any film, a solid storyline. It's almost like a tale of two halves, where we get to see indirect references to recent housing woes in the USA and the comedic bantering between man and spirit as Richard and Dave try to find a compromise with the inherent occupants of the property, and montages used as set pieces for comedy when all things are light and dandy. The later half though progressively got a bit more sinister with intent and objectives being revealed, though again fit for young ones as events were kept deliberately light for broad based appeal.
What worked in its favour is the strength of the characters that Diani created, although some may argue that they're pretty much one-dimensional, such as Dave as the partner whose nature and mannerisms never fail to become punchlines, or how Mary as their nemesis they love to hate remains pretty much consistent throughout, each character has enough quirks to make them uniquely appealing. Gabriel Diani himself probably plays the most complex amongst all since he's the leading man undergoing profound experiences, while real life partner Etta Devine stars as the ghostly expert/blogger who lends a helping hand. Nancy Lenehan plays Richard's cancer-suffering mom who still has a degree of spunk for life and attitude, and the banter between mother and son as mentioned by Diani during the Q&A, is based very much with his own late mother.
The Selling scores in it not trying too hard, and has many endearing elements that demands a second viewing. I know it's still early in the festival, but this will probably end up as one of the most entertaining that packs a solid narrative punch despite its compact 90 minutes. Highly recommended so make sure you do get to watch it if you can as it does its festival rounds. Stay tuned throughout the end credits as well for a number of comedic stingers.
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