This movie focuses on good vs. evil and the kids trying to become the heroes of the story. The picture features memorable characters such as Leah Weaver (portrayed by Charity Rose), Tessa (Amelia Salazar), Marshy (Sean Jay), as well as a few others such as Rhett (Sam Coffelt), Owen (Zephaniah Terry), and Clara (Kim Sandwich). Chester is a bully (Cooper Tomlinson) and there are two teams of kids – one working for the betterment of the town and the other trying to gain what they can. Leah, Tessa, and Marshy (short for Marshall, as he was named after Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Justice), are on the good side. They are attempting to prevent the evil Silas Carter from rising from the dead, causing chaos and evil to run rampant. The other kids are trying to find clues to make sure they are able to get the gold Silas supposedly hid.
Leah’s dad leaves her for a time after moving her to Carterville, as he has landed a job on a fishing boat. Leah is none too happy about it. He leaves her a card for her birthday along with a photo of the two of them. She lives with her Uncle Bo and Aunt Cynthia, and makes a fresh start at the local school, introducing herself to her new classmates. She soon makes friends with Tessa and Marshy, and they are all intrigued by the stories of Silas Carter, and how he was killed by a tree. Apparently, a witch put a spell on Silas and if the hidden gold is found, Silas would be awakened. He hid his gold without anyone being certain of its location. A bully is hard on Marshy and when Leah insists that he apologize, he comes up with a sarcastic, “I’m incredibly sorry, Marshall.”
In a humorous scene between the other team, one boy asks Owen, “Are you questioning my deciphering skills?” To which Owen replies, “Man, your breath!” The competition to see whether Leah’s team discovers the clues that will lead them to Silas’ gold before the other team plays a huge part in the movie.
With Halloween and the supernatural being a big part of the story, comments about spells and Halloween play a part in the story’s progression. The kids must enter a certain portal before it closes in order to defeat Silas Carter, a truly evil man from the past. Some exciting scenes include Leah and her friends crossing a narrow bridge above fire and lava. Will Silas Carter be defeated? What happens in the end? Does everyone survive?
Content Analysis: There is no Christian worldview in the film. It does contain suspense and the camaraderie of the children, which kids would relate to. The special effects are not bad as well. It’s important to consider that there is the mention of witches and casting spells and the power of curses. Yet it is all played in a fantastical tale of good vs. evil. The fantasy aspect is obvious.
Think About It: Discussion possibilities are plentiful in this movie. Parents could discuss the reality of evil with their children, and the importance of discerning between a pure evil movie that encourages the use of witchcraft or evil or, in this case, a fantasy movie that shows kids as trying to save the town. Other topics include bullies and how to respond to them. Leah and missing her dad, along with Marshy’s relationship with his dad, can open up discussions about the importance of the parent/child relationship. Parents should make up their own minds about their kids 12 and over watching the movie. Some parents will be okay with it while others may wind up passing on it.
The Dove Take: We are recommending this film for Ages 12+, while encouraging parents to closely check out our content listing as there is the mention of witchcraft and spells in the film. The fantasy aspect of good vs. evil in addition to the friendships of the kids will intrigue some young viewers.
