I’m not one to shill anything I don’t have a genuine interest in seeing, so when passed the info for Haunted Prison, my first reaction was fairly bitter.  The director, Kevin VanHook did make Voodoo Moon, a movie that is so painfully bland in its execution that I felt emotions about filmmaking I haven’t felt in a good while.  And, it is a Sci-Fi Channel original as well.  I love the Sci-Fi Channel, but I don’t think I need to explain its cinematic track record for movies debuting during that oh-so-coveted 9pm Saturday time slot.

But then I gave the YouTube trailer a chance, and what do ya know, I was actually impressed.  Expectations were low, yes, but I’d even go so far as to say that it actually looks cool.  The dialogue is stilted, but the visuals have a kick to ‘em usually lacking on the network.  I’ve been burned many a times in the past, but I’ll tune in once again to give Haunted Prison a shot.

Plus, who can honestly resist Jake Busey?

Below is the press release from the film’s official site:

Sci Fi Pictures Presents
Haunted Prison— AKA Death Row– a horrifying live action film based on the short story by Kevin VanHook—takes place at Isla de la Roca Penitentiary. Rumor has it the Devil himself spat up the place out of the depths of hell, and man turned it into a prison for the most dangerous prisoners in the South. The monstrous building is steeped in the evil created by centuries of murder and injustice and is haunted by vengeful ghosts.

Isla de la Roca was abandoned after being soaked in blood by a horrific massacre of inmates and guards. A gang of fugitives from a cop-killing robbery seek refuge within the razor wire of the prison walls at the same time as a documentary film crew arrives to tell the story of the penitentiary. When these groups cross paths within the cruel walls of Isla de la Roca, will anyone get out alive?

The film stars Jake Busey (The Frighteners, Starship Troopers), Stacy Keach (Prison Break, Titus) and Kyle Schmid (History of Violence and the upcoming Bloodties)

From the producing team of Kevin VanHook and Karen Bailey (K-Squared Productions) for Starz Media
and The Sci Fi Channel.