Approved for 12+

Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop

Orphaned at a young age, Elizabeth Willoughby inherited her family estate. Now an Ancient Civilization professor at University, Willoughby receives a call from old family friends asking her to investigate a series of hauntings at their antique bookshop.

7
Negative Rating
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SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
3
Positive Rating
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FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

**This review is contributed by Super Channel—a channel dedicated to providing integrity and accountability in today’s entertainment.

Shot in North Yorkshire, England, the stunning architecture, the intriguing storyline, the high production value and a mystery that must be solved, gives you the opportunity to play detective and will keep you on your toes until the very end.  Dove approved for 12+ due to some short but frightening scenes and thematic events that may not be suitable for young children.

Movie opens with the very sad scene of the funeral of young Elizabeth’s parents.  Set in England in the ‘90s, Elizabeth inherits the family’s elaborate estate complete with servants.  Robert, a long-time family friend, US military man and now Lizzy’s guardian, trains Lizzy in boxing, martial arts, and physical endurance.

Elizabeth Willoughby (Nathalie Cox) matures into a lovely and beautiful woman and Robert (Kelsey Grammer) never leaves her side as he continues to caretake the Estate and guide her like a doting parent.  An Ancient Civilization University professor, Elizabeth finds great joy in her students as she explores the material with her enthusiastic participants.   It’s a good and prosperous happy life.

As Helen Deakin (Tara Fitzgerald) proceeds to clean up after the book club meeting, a very large crash startles and scares her but no one is there. Eerie music plays, the lights flicker, books fall off the shelves, as Helen panics and runs out of the building only to see an image of a man reflected in the glass door.  As she drives off, she is terrified and the scene cuts to the outside of the darkened building that appears spooky and creepy.  Her night is restless as she tries desperately to make sense of what she saw.  Elizabeth receives an anxious call from Oliver Deakin (Steven Elder) co-bookshop owner and dear old family friend, leaving her puzzled and she agrees to meet at teatime tomorrow.

Elizabeth listens attentively as Helen tells her of her fear of being haunted, the strange noises, things out of place, images in her peripheral vision… and the smell of her late father’s exclusive Parisian perfume!  Elizabeth is positive there is a logical explanation for everything and insists on helping solve the mystery.

As she enthusiastically takes on the task, Elizabeth is taken from logical to illogical to uncovering a sinister plan to force Helen into selling her beloved bookshop.  And the movie ending will leave Elizabeth just a little bit rattled and leave you questioning what you just saw, too!

The Dove Take

This movie is a soft mystery with some thematic events that support the script and keep you guessing, but not unlike other similar programming suitable for older children. Parental guidance is recommended.

Dove Rating Details

1
Faith

A Christian funeral with narrative about God and Jesus Christ.

2
Integrity

Robert is ever loyal to Lizzy’s parents trust in taking care of their young daughter; Elizabeth is caring and concerned for her friends.

1
Sex

Gentle hugs and kisses.

0
Language

None except for “shut-up,” spoken somewhat in jest, to cattle who are mooing.

2
Violence

Woman with a handgun; man is discovered knocked out; woman is knocked unconscious.

 

1
Drugs

Wine with friends during a book club gathering; other alcohol consumed but no unruly behavior.

0
Nudity

None

3
Other

Drowning victim exposed in body bag momentarily; women locked in a building; gunfire; eerie music and brief ghostly scene; unscrupulous behavior in plotting a plan of greed.

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