House on Haunted Hill (1999)

This movie scared me to death when I was younger. I still don't like watching it alone. So creepy. It is based on the old Vincent Price movie, and in fact the production company that made this, Dark Castle, was formed just to remake the old Price horror films (13 Ghosts is my other favorite... review to follow a bit later). A bunch of people get invited to a big, ominous-looking mansion for the birthday party of a rich guy's wife, but the rich guy and his wife both claim they never invited these people. Hmmm... If you don't know what happens next you've obviously never seen this movie and should run out and rent it immediately. You're missing out. Taye Diggs (who should be in more horror movies and less sappy medical dramas on TV) and Ali Larter are two of the guests who end up trapped inside the mansion, which of course was also a mental institution run by a scary doctor at one time. And of course it's haunted. There are so many disturbing images and freaky noises in this haunted house you'll be covering your eyes by the time it's over. Lisa Loeb (the singer) and James Marsters (Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) pop up at the very beginning, and if Geoffry Rush channeling Vincent Price doesn't do it for you, you're much too tough a crowd.. This is one of my all time favorites and I recommend it for the horror fan who likes a bit of polish and a nod to the old days.