Entertaining, but not flawless

Rating: 7/10 (2 June 2010)

Cliché and predictable mystery/thriller about ten strangers stranded at a desolated motel in Nevada during a nasty rainstorm. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist (Molina) is trying to save a convict (Vince) from the death penalty by proving him insane, supported by new evidence of a recovered journal. The intersection of the two plots can only lead to one conclusion, unless you fail to realize that there's a reason these two stories are within the same film. Despite all the failed surprises and twists, the plot at least delivers the payoff the story has built up; and you'll find satisfaction in the film if you can shrug off the countless flaws with the realization that it never really hinders the progression. Cusack and Liotta are as good as always; Peet delivers an impress performance; and Hawkes is underrated as usual. If anything, it will entertain.
*** (out of four)