has potential

Rating: 6/10 (22 February 2003)

this film has the potential of being a pyscho or the shining or maybe therabouts but never gets there. it pushes boundaries in filmaking but the film itself is flawed.
there are excellent performances from mel gibson and the two children. one of the finest interaction of family characters ever. all the other characters are very believable and add depth to the film.
i saw this movie on dvd and its presented to the highest standards. surround sound is made full use of with the rears given a good workout at times. there is a very widesoundstage and u really feel a part of the scenery. also picture is very good, colours are very vibrant.
it is filmed in a similar style to sixth sense or what lies beneath and works very well. its often slow but controlled and u really get a sense of the characters emotions - fears, anxieties etc. however, its too slow at times and u just want more to happen. it almost tries to get the most out of a very thin script.
the film is thoroughly gripping and u are left glued to your seat, at least for the first half an hour but without result. nothing much actually happens until the last few minutes and you are left wanting more.
secondly the film is too short althougth feels quite long due to slow scenes.
however, aspects of the film are quite revolutionary and will likely be adopted by other filmakers.
overall this is a good film, it will scare u but it could have been much more.