Thir13en Ghosts (2001) Review: Netflix Horror Classic Revisit & Shawna Loyer
Ever since the chilling tales of the supernatural have captured the imaginations of audiences, but few films have managed to blend scares with creativity quite like "Thir13en Ghosts." This cult classic, a remake of the 1960 film "13 Ghosts," continues to resonate with viewers, proving that a well-crafted horror experience can stand the test of time.
For those who remember the early 2000s, the name "Thir13en Ghosts" likely conjures images of a glass house filled with spectral entities and a family desperately trying to escape. The film, directed by Steve Beck in his directorial debut, offered a visually striking and conceptually intriguing take on the haunted house subgenre. Released in 2001, it quickly garnered a dedicated following, with many praising its unique blend of practical effects, intriguing character backstories, and genuinely unsettling atmosphere.
One of the standout elements of "Thir13en Ghosts" is undoubtedly its ensemble cast. The film featured a mix of established and rising stars, including Tony Shalhoub, Embeth Davidtz, Matthew Lillard, and Shannon Elizabeth. However, among the memorable characters, one figure stands out, The Angry Princess portrayed by Shawna Loyer.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shawna Loyer |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1979 |
| Place of Birth | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Marital Status | Married to Don Soo |
| Children | Two |
| Known For | "Thir13en Ghosts" (2001) |
| Other Works | "Thir13en Ghosts Revealed" (2002) |
| Current Profession | Accountant Manager |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram and Facebook |
| Height | 5' 9" (1.75 m) |
| Net Worth | Considerable, amassed through acting and accounting |
| Reference | IMDb |
Loyer's portrayal of Dana Newman, the Angry Princess, is a key component of the film's eerie allure. Her character's tragic backstory, her inability to recognize her own beauty leading to a descent into despair, offers a glimpse into the psychological complexity that elevates "Thir13en Ghosts" beyond typical horror fare. The make-up required for her transformation, which was reportedly extensive, underscores the dedication to the film's visual impact, a reminder of the commitment of the whole crew.
The films visual style is a major part of its appeal. The unique design of the glass house and the distinct look of each ghost, particularly the practical effects used, contributed to the film's lasting impact. Furthermore, the DVD release, included the "Ghost Files" special feature, detailing the backstories of each of the thirteen ghosts, further cemented the films legacy.
The 2001 film, with stars like Matthew Lillard, Tony Shalhoub, Shawna Loyer, and Shannon Elizabeth, kept a lot of fans hooked and now, two decades later, the company is giving them exactly what theyve been waiting for: More of the originals spooky lore. Beyond the jump scares and gruesome visuals, the film delves into themes of loss, regret, and the enduring power of the human psyche.
The narrative structure of "Thir13en Ghosts" is far from conventional. Arthur and his two children inherit his uncle's estate, a glass house that serves as a prison to twelve ghosts. When the family, accompanied by a nanny and an attorney, enter the house, they find themselves trapped inside an evil machine. This machine is designed by the devil and powered by the dead to open the eye of hell.
The original "13 Ghosts" was released in 1960, directed by horror pioneer William Castle. Castle directed 65 films between 1943 and 1974, but is best known for the six horror movies he released between 1958 and 1961. The remake expanded on the original concept, adding more elaborate visuals and a deeper exploration of the ghosts' origins and fates. Each spirit in the film is a carefully crafted embodiment of fear, regret, and unresolved trauma.
For Shawna Loyer, "Thir13en Ghosts" marked a pivotal moment in her acting career. While she hasn't been as active in the acting world since, her portrayal of the Angry Princess remains a highlight for many fans. Instead, the actress has embraced motherhood, which she often documents on social media.
The film's enduring appeal is, in part, due to its distinctive visual style. The design of the glass house, the use of special effects to create the spectral figures, and the overall production design contribute to the film's enduring power. From the Juggernaut's foam body piece and fake hands to the Angry Princess's extensive makeup, the attention to detail in bringing these characters to life is remarkable. The film also has a highlander easter egg duncan macleod's dragon katana from highlander (1992) appears as one of the swords in cyrus' collection.
The film's impact is a testament to its ability to tap into universal fears. The characters, while often grotesque, are also deeply human, each representing a specific type of suffering and trauma. The "Ghost Files" special feature provided viewers with an even deeper connection to these characters, adding layers of complexity and emotional depth to the film's horror elements.
The legacy of "Thir13en Ghosts" extends beyond the silver screen. The film's unique premise and memorable characters have cemented its status as a cult classic. With its blend of scares, creativity, and strong performances, "Thir13en Ghosts" continues to entertain and provoke, proving that great horror transcends time.
The film is a blend of practical effects, interesting character backstories, and a genuinely unsettling atmosphere. The production design team's creativity, coupled with the performances of the cast, brought this story to life. The characters, such as the Juggernaut, were created with innovative techniques like foam body pieces and prosthetic makeup, replaced daily during filming. Shawna Loyer's contribution, with five hours spent in makeup as the Angry Princess, is a testament to the dedication that went into the film's visual style.
As for Shawna Loyer, her journey since "Thir13en Ghosts" has been one of personal fulfillment. Having amassed a considerable fortune while working as an actress and accountant manager, she now lives a good life with her family. Her journey demonstrates that there is more to a life than just the spotlight. Through social media, she shares glimpses of her personal life, which continues to garner the attention of her fans.
The movie also keeps a lot of fans hooked, and now, two decades later, the company is giving them exactly what theyve been waiting for: more of the originals spooky lore. The film continues to entertain and provoke, proving that great horror transcends time. The films enduring appeal is, in part, due to its distinctive visual style and memorable characters. "Thir13en Ghosts" continues to provide a viewing experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
