Excellent despite a couple shortfalls

Rating: 7/10 (6 April 2001)

Straight off, let me say that this movie is well done overall, though it could have been more. Whether I personally could have handled more of this is another matter.
The movie has a deliciously dark and claustrophobic feel to it... I found myself looking for an escape while watching it. Afterwards, my house felt too small and dark to be comfortable. That tells me the set design if nothing else was effective.
The acting was fair, being pretty standard and having its stellar moments (especially from Mr. Neill). There were some lines I thought the movie could do without and some bits that could have been written better. Overall, however, I didn't feel it was a sufficient enough detraction to remove from the overall effect of the movie.
The plot was straightforward and at times, predictable. I guess unlike other reviewers I don't sit at a movie seeing if I can guess what's next... I expect to be taken on a ride, not to drive. Only when a movie is so boring that I have nothing else to focus on do I worry about what's next. This one moved along briskly, and lulled at suitable moments to allow viewers to catch their breath. It interjected enough backstory to keep the suspension of disbelief up while maintaining the proper pacing for a movie in this vein.
Special effects were moderate. They were good enough not to date the movie but nothing spectacular. The set designs outpaced them handily. Combined with good cinematography, the physical feel of the movie actually had more weight and impact than the rest of its elements.
Overall, I was frightened by this movie. Watching it alone at 1 AM I almost had to leave the house after I saw it. There were moments that in all honesty kinda stank, but the overall effect was unhindered by them. The level of gore was high, but it was properly used, I think. The subject matter this movie dealt with combined the elements of gore and violence and other taboo subjects in the proper way to shock, but didn't load them up to the point of rediculousness. However, I do warn that you do prepare to be shocked. This movie, when it opens up, pulls no punches. It is a scary, creepy movie that if it had been done to some high ideal of "perfection" in what it tried to do might be nigh unwatchable. I highly recommend it for a good scare. Watch with friends. :-)