Almost a very good film...but not quite

Rating: 7/10 (7 February 2001)

*CONTAINS A FEW MINOR SPOILERS*
From my perspective Event Horizon is a film that brims with promise but never quite makes it. The initial premise of a Science Fiction/Horror crossover is a good one and the movie seems to attempt to become a version of 'The Shining' or 'Hellraiser' set in outer space with a spaceship substituting for the box or the Overlook Hotel.
The contrast between the clean, clinical lines of the space station in the initial sequences and the neo-gothic interior of the Event Horizon is impressive and one of the opening shots showing the exterior of the space station from orbit is superb. Also there are a few pieces of religious imagery thrown in (even down to the cruciform spaceship), perhaps to hint at what is coming later.
In spite of the fine effects and some good individual sequences the film never seems to quite fulfil its potential. Many of the horror scenes employ some of the oldest tricks in the book in their attempts to make the viewer jump - knowledgable horror movie fans will be able to spot the shocks coming a mile off!
One day someone might remake this and fully explore the possibilities that the storyline of this film offers. In the meantime what have is a reasonably competent SF-horror crossover that I found watchable but not great.