Ghosts of the Ozarks is an adaptation of a short film that feels like one. The Civil War has ended and James McCune (Thomas Hobson) has been summoned to the remote town of Norfork. He soon discovers ghosts surround the outside of the walled utopia while secrets fester inside of it. The film is oddly paced. It moves at a tempo that is better suited to a television show. Ghosts of the Ozarks often feels like a series of episodes strung together into one movie. This does not make it bad, but it is odd.
Adding to the strange feeling is the music. Aside from feeling out of place, it does not negatively impact the film. (Plus, it allows for a fine Irish ditty about halfway through Ghosts of the Ozarks.) The fact that Norfork looks like a movie set does not help matters. The cast of characters are a strange bunch that add to the oddball feeling of the town. They are the best part of Ghosts of the Ozarks and would be better suited to an ongoing story. They do a great job of adding character.
The ghost story seems like it is unnecessary for most of Ghosts of the Ozarks. When things are finally revealed, they are the best and creepiest moments of the film. While the build is not well done, the payoff is excellent. As great as the moment is, it also brings something to the forefront. There is too much going on. The plot would have been better served by being a straight ghost story. An unfortunate byproduct is the movie ends up running long. Ghosts of the Ozarks finally finds its way in its closing moments. There is some atmospheric imagery and exciting scenes. Regrettably, the film loses much of its mystique with in the climatic moments. It is an intentional decision, but one that will polarize audiences.
Ghosts of the Ozarks comes to select theaters, on demand, and digital February 3
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