pitiful ending

Rating: 4/10 (19 July 2007)

If you have seen Johnny Depp's Secret Window, De Niro in Hide & Seek, Memento or The Machinist, then you have seen The Number 23. I enjoyed the acting, but found the script a bit too self-important. The film was atmospheric enough, but the ending just did not pay-off. My first thought was, "Again?" The whole exposition that is then relayed is also less-than- convincing. Why would anyone go on a date with, let alone marry, someone they see leaving an insane asylum? Also, I couldn't quite figure out the reason why the wife and doctor went to such lengths to cover up for the protagonist. Anyone who hasn't seen the above films will find this an enjoyable DVD to rent. In terms of current trends in film-making, however, it comes across as tired and formulaic. I keep hearing this rumour that Hollywood has run out of ideas. On the strength of this showing, there may be some substance to it.