The American Scream

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Cast & Crew

Michael Stephenson
Director

Shane O'Brien
Executive Producer

Justin Smith
Executive Producer

Michael Stephenson
Producer

Zack Carlson
Producer

Critic Reviews for The American Scream

Audience Reviews for The American Scream

• Feb 02, 2013

  "American Scream" is documentary that has a very unique subject matter, "haunters". Haunters are people who turn their home in a haunted house on Halloween for people to go through as they go around trick or treating. It follows three different households that do this, and it's amazing the passion these people have for Halloween. Their stories are touching, funny, sad, and overall just fun. Really makes me wish I lived near one of them, or was able to do this myself. They aren't rich people(far from it), they are just people that love the holiday, and this allows them to have a name for themselves, and be remembered. Every year on the holidays I see some houses that are just decorated so amazingly, and I always remember them. After watching this, I see why they go through all the trouble, and I can honestly say I've got a new appreciation for it. Each household has trials and tribulations in their lives, but it all comes together on Halloween, and makes everything worth it. If you love Halloween, then you should definitely check this out. Just shows how fun the holiday is. One of the guys said it best that "Christmas is a family holiday, but Halloween is a community holiday when strangers can come together and be friends for one night." Fascinating documentary that should have gotten more recognition this year.
  

  Everett J Super Reviewer
• Dec 31, 2012

  Enjoyable homage to America's obsession with Halloween.
  Randy T Super Reviewer
• Nov 23, 2012

  A relatively interesting documentary from Best Worst Movie director and Troll 2 star Michael Stephenson, American Scream shows three families that go all out in building haunted houses every Halloween. The first family shown is by far the most interesting and relatable, as the other two families lack relatability and pathos because they are primarily middle-aged men with unusual backgrounds. The documentary itself is well-made, the only problem is the latter two less interesting families.
  

  Joey S Super Reviewer
• Nov 11, 2012

  Really charming new doc from Michael Paul Stephenson of Best Worst Movie. While it may not quite reach the nerdish heights of that film for some people, it secures the filmmaker's status as one of the few people - quite possibly the only person - to survive the disaster of Troll 2, which has since turned into a more friendly cult of admirers. It's about three families who like to go all-out every Halloween in decorating their homes and lawns for the neighborhood to enjoy. Stephenson is skilled in the way that he messes with our initial perception of at least one of the families, and by the end we love every one of them just as much. Sure to leave you feeling inspired and genuinely good. Short, sweet, to the point; very good without being very complex.
  Ryan M Super Reviewer

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