The recent Midnight Releasing VOD/DVD releases of the 2014 comedy "Teenage Ghost Punk" proves that decent horror and entertaining family fare are not mutually exclusive and that the Disney Channel has a concept for its next teencom. Showing the coolness of the early '80s is a nice bonus.
The following YouTube clip of the "Punk" trailer provides a good sense of the humor and the style of the film.
The titular specter is '80s high school boy Brian who pays the ultimate price for playing the guitar on the roof of (his John Hughes country) suburban Chicago home during a lightning storm. His spirit is living on when 40-something financially strapped divorced mom Carol moves unhappy campers 16 year-old cheerleader daughter Amanda and bright quirky 12 year-old son Adam into that abode 30 years later.
Brian increasingly making his presence known leads to Amanda making a new friend/confidante with a dash of necrophilia. Meanwhile, Carol is too overwhelmed with adapting to her new normal (including a lecherous creep at work) to give much thoughts to the weird goings-on. Adam knows the score, but proof eludes him.
The wacky neighbors are local ghosts from several eras who keep Brian company and play poker with him. These include a greaser from the '50s, an adorkable 19th century farmboy, and an early 20th century gentleman. The villains of the piece include fearsome ghoul Vladimir and bumbling "TAPS" style paranormal investigators.
The desire of the Dead and Buried Kids to interact with the living and Halloween magic that makes the breathing impaired visible to all on that special night prompts Amanda to invite both the old kids on the block and her new classmates to a party at which her peers know not every guest has a pulse.
The truth coming out at the party creates turmoil that leads to the Hollywood ending that every family film requires. One not very big spoiler is that the connection between Carol and Brian being revealed near the end of the film should not surprise anyone who is old enough to stay up to watch prime time Disney Channel fare.
"Punk" succeeds because the scares and freaky occurrences are edgy enough to entertain teens and above who watch the film; further, the depiction of this modern family and the complete absence of unduly perky "Full House" style kids makes the film enjoyable. You will expect much of what happens, tolerate the few brief over-the-top moments, and be surprised regarding the outcome of the After Life of Brian.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Punk" is welcome to email me; you also can connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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