Brilliant in its originality, but hype lessens the chill

Rating: Null/10 (2 August 1999)

I was told that I was about to see the most frightening film ever made--I wasn't. The acting was superb-very realistic. If I had been among the viewers at the Sundance midnight show, chances are that I would have been far more frightened. But after months of hype on a Saturday afternoon it just wasn't that spectacular. Of course the idea is genius, and the shaking camera shots made it seem like a spooky home video. The last shot is a great one, and if you're one that lets your imagination chill you to the bone, it's wonderful. Be prepared for a lot of loose ends, but overall, A for novelty, B for chill factor.