As good as I thought it would be

Rating: Null/10 (24 July 2009)

This film has been advertised to death and in this case there is truth in advertising. It is a good, first class thriller with genuine scares that also proves Hollywood scriptwriters can come up with a unique twist and they surely do in this film, if it weren't for the IMDb message board it would have been a shock to me but I learned what it was months before the film was released. I was also surprised that this movie isn't as graphically violent as a lot of the others that I have seen this year. This shows that the filmmakers knew what they were doing in creating a real thriller instead of a cheap slasher. I also wanted to mention that I am tired of people harping on the fact that this film deals with an adopted child. I didn't find that theme offensive at all. Its only a movie people. Leave your social conscience at the front door of the theater and just have a good time. The killer-kiddie theme has been played before in The Bad Seed (a classic) and The Good Son (not so good). Unlike MacAuley Culkin, Isabelle Fuhrman really can act. She is a true acting prodigy for one so young and I think she has a promising future. She really does a good job at playing a Jekyll-Hyde part. When we first meet Esther she seems so charming and intelligent you wish all kids were like that. That makes her true evil nature all the more chilling. They point out in the film that sociopathic killers can seem very charming on the surface. Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard (I didn't make up these names) also do a fine job as the unsuspecting parents. Kate and John have both undergone the tragedy of losing a baby (Kate has a horrible nightmare about it in the opening that really will shock you) These two decent people decide to adopt but boy do they make the wrong choice. The noted character actress CCH Pounder plays the nun in charge of the orphanage who arranges for Esther's adoption. She is best known for her role on The Shield. I just feel sorry for the "Pounding" the poor sister takes in the end. It is at this point in my review that I wanted to take my hat off to Farmiga who by far does the best acting job in the film, this very fine young actress really makes you feel this woman's goodness, her grief, her personal demons and her fear that there is something wrong with Esther. The character I have a problem with is Sarsgaard's. I know that in these killer kid films the adults have to be oblivious, but he is as dumb as two rocks in a bucket! All the evidence is right in front of him but he just doesn't listen.
SPOILER ALERTS MAJOR SPOILER ALERTS you've been warned watch out! Don't read any further if you want to see the film. I read an early script adaptation someone sent me and they did make changes in the ending and I thought they were for the better. First of all, Daniel (Jimmy Bennett) lives! Let me repeat Daniel lives, I want to assure all of you of that the way Charles Dickens assured A Christmas Carol readers that Tiny Tim lived. Jimmy Bennett does a good job of playing the middle child who immediately senses Esther isn't what she seems. I felt so bad in that scene where Esther held a box cutter to his...ahem and made him wet his pants. Also the twist about Esther is really original it may be the most original plot twist this year. She is really a murderous 32 year old with a dwarfism disorder who only looks like a child. I feel bad for Kate that she loses John but at least her two kids are still alive. Also the final showdown between Kate and Esther in the house and at the frozen lake is terrific, suspenseful and chilling. Its like Alfred Hitchcock could have directed it. If your going to see one thriller make it Orphan.