This sharp thriller is well made with some strong suspense.

Rating: 8/10 (24 October 2005)

Ten strangers are brought together in a terrible rainstorm in the Nevada desert in a desolate motel run by a mysterious manager (John Hawkes). These strangers an ex-cop turned limo-driver (John Cusack), a cop with a dark secret (Ray Liotta), an 80's TV star (Rebecca DeMornay), a killer (Jake Busey), a call girl in a search for a better life (Amanda Peet), a pair of newlyweds (Clea DuVall and William Lee Scott) and a family in crisis (John C. Mc Ginley, Leila Kenzle and Bret Loehr). At first, it's a relief in finding shelter in a night like this until it's turns to fear. When they find themselves begin killed one by one. The sooner, they realize the more, they try to stick together for survival. Then they uncover the truth what brings these strangers together in this night.
Directed by James Mangold (Copland, Heavy, Kate & Leopold) made an entertaining suspense thriller plays like an standard slasher film at times. This film has echoes of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians, Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and even the original Friday the 13th. But it is the cast (Which they are better than expected) gives it an touch of class. This familiar thriller is directed with style and flair.
DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer (also in Pan & Scan) and an strong-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has an interesting commentary track by the director, making of a featurette, deleted scenes and the original theatrical trailer. Fans of mystery thrillers will have a blast. Even through the film turned into a box office hit. This thriller is a bit overrated today since it's been released in 2003. Some might be confused by the film's storytelling at several key moments. It is worth a look, despite the film's conclusion but overall it is satisfying enough. This thriller will turned into a cult favorite. Written by Michael Cooney (The I Inside, Jack Frost 1 & 2). Panavision. (*** ½/*****).