Phantoms (1998)

Either Dean Koontz shouldn't adapt his own bestsellers, or his 1983 novel Phantoms was a pack of horror clichés to begin with, or this movie is 15 years past its due date. What might have seemed fresh at the time of Poltergeist now feels like it was made from a derivative script with pages missing. Plagued by reckless leaps of logic, the movie starts with adequately eerie atmosphere and a perversely twisted performance by Scream 2's Liev Schreiber, but decays into a familiar hash of gross-out effects, resulting from the annihilation of a small Colorado town by an evil force known as "The Ancient Enemy." In a dreary role that insults the twilight of his distinguished career, Peter O'Toole plays a paleobiologist whose crackpot ideas have become tabloid fodder, but he holds the key to conquering the beast. Or does he? Sure enough, an obligatory coda leaves room for anticlimactic doubt. Phantoms has a few genuinely creepy highlights, including a devilish beastie resembling an angry flying scorpion, and horror fans will surely find something to admire, but everyone else is advised to proceed with caution and lowered expectations. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Phantoms review

Its a solid B sci fi/ horror movie, very enjoyable. Decent plot, good pace and a good creep factor. I would say its a good buy. Its a great way to kill a afternoon if you just cant find anything to watch on TV. October 30, 2008

What's up?

Personally, I liked the book and the movie--very Lovecraftian. What I don't get is why did my copy from Amazon have a Wal-Mart sticker on the front? Does any Amazonian have an answer? June 13, 2008

The Book Is Better

The seller of this item was great. Shipped fast and wonderful communications. HOWEVER - The movie itself was awful. After reading the book the movie was a major disappointment. Don't waste your money December 29, 2007

Lovecraft.....? Is that you..?

I had no idea Koonz was so heavily influenced by Lovecraft. This film and story had a very strong H.P. Lovecraft feel to it. I'd recommend it to any Lovecraft fan. September 22, 2007

"Affleck you the bomb in Phantoms, Yo!"

Indeed dear Sirs and Misses he is. I highly recommend this B movie to everyone who just wants to have a good laugh with a hint of a scare here and there. August 16, 2007

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