7.5 of 10. While not quite up to the original Bad Santa (2003), Good Neighbor definitely does for Halloween what Bad Santa did for Santa Claus Day.
Rather than conventional horror, you get a mystery based in reality that takes advantage of the characters' both known and unknown beliefs in ghosts and the paranormal. Blood, violence, and sudden loud sounds still play a critical role, but without the directionless excess that recent big studio horror releases rely upon to the point of tedium.
Caan fortunately plays a more laid back role to a film that really doesn't need star power. It succeeds through a well-crafted story and exceptional casting of relative unknowns in all the other roles. Then when you don't expect it, things stay lively with a surprising and enjoyable soundtrack.
Rather than conventional horror, you get a mystery based in reality that takes advantage of the characters' both known and unknown beliefs in ghosts and the paranormal. Blood, violence, and sudden loud sounds still play a critical role, but without the directionless excess that recent big studio horror releases rely upon to the point of tedium.
Caan fortunately plays a more laid back role to a film that really doesn't need star power. It succeeds through a well-crafted story and exceptional casting of relative unknowns in all the other roles. Then when you don't expect it, things stay lively with a surprising and enjoyable soundtrack.