Be Afraid...be very afraid? Nope!

Rating: Null/10 (17 November 1999)

I went to see this with an open mind, and to support a film which has threatened to turn Hollywood on its head (no bad thing). I think I have the sort of imagination which can cope with the 'suspension of disbelief' required to enjoy most fiction/horror.
But sorry folks. It just *is not frightening*. Nope. No siree. Not even the finale rescues it. Sure, the potential for tension and fear are there, but the best ingredients are not played up enough, not allowed to development. And though there are brilliant (and totally convincing) scenes of the group's developing hysteria (the actors, especially the girl, give creditable performances), the whole is somehow soul-less.
I'm fascinated by the supernatural, and have seen films which leave me feeling pretty vulnerable and uneasy. But not this one. The required suspension of disbelief isn't enough to make you feel sympathy for the group (maybe it's the fact that they're so ill-prepared for what happens? I don't know).
Full marks to the marketing men; this might have been a good 20 minute short. But if it does force a re-evaluation in Tinsel Town then maybe it will have done some good (apart from to the pockets of the producers...).
If anyone out there really fainted with fright whilst watching this movie I recommend they find a boy scout to help them next time they try to cross a busy main road. Now that *is* scary!