Portal - Rating: * * * (Reviewed by Russell Bailey)
In a busy subgenre Dean Alioto's Portal seeks to differentiate itself by layering an attempt at a complicated mythology (the kind it took Paranormal Activity five films to achieve) and the behind-the-scenes drama of making a TV show to its haunted house tale. The film follows a struggling band of ghost hunters, part of the failing Ghost Seekers. Budgets squeezed and flashier competitors' success breeding tension, the head of the team takes matters into his own hands, bringing the group to a notorious murder house. It soon becomes apparent there is more to the house then the group could ever have anticipated.
Portal is at its best and most interesting when it explores the dynamic of a ghost hunter TV show and the conflict that exists between proving the existence of an afterlife and producing an entertaining programme. A number of engaging turns in the cast (particularly from Ryan Merriman and Jamie Tisdale) help keep the film's downtime engaging between the expected horror moments. A well-chosen locale helps with a number of moments of dread and there feels a genuine attempt at finding a plausible reason for individuals' interest in ghosts.
At times Portal resembles a TV pilot, both for better and worst. Director Dean Alioto spends plenty of time setting up his roster of ghost hunters, giving them backstories and character quirks (aided by a witty script co-written with the prolific Peter Dukes). The characters feel better developed then some other indie horrors. But the film becomes rushed in its second half, struggling to find a satisfying conclusion for the effective early work of the film.
Genre fans may find Portal frustratingly tame and one can't help wish the film would cut loose and have a little bit more fun with its concept. For all the good work done in the early stages, the last act lacks the punch needed, feeling a tad too rushed. But it does contain a treat for A Nightmare on Elm Street fans, with Heather Langenkamp (none other than Nancy!) taking on a key late stage role (that I shan't ruin here).
At its best Portal manages to find some interesting elements to add to both the ghost genre and the surprisingly bountiful ghost-hunters-find-real-ghosts subgenre. While the second half can't quite tie everything together the film remains compelling, with ambitions that exceed its more limited budget.