Slow, predictable, slow, no characterization, and did I already say slow?

Rating: Null/10 (1 September 2001)

Warning: SPOILERS.
Alejandro Amenabar has created one of those Hollywood rarities - a film that can warp time. Unfortunately, this film makes its 104 minute run time feel like 3 hours.
The film is clearly an attempt to recreate vintage Hitchcock. Like a 1940 suspense/horror classic, Amenabar attempts to using pacing, lighting, and atmosphere to create suspense. It fails. Instead, we get a slow film lacking any suspense and with an unoriginal if not predictable ending.
I first glanced at my watch 45 minutes into the film, certain that we were around the 1.5 hour point. I stayed for the whole movie mostly because I was curious which of the possible endings the director had chosen. Given the lack of anything compelling, I was also sure that it would be an ending I had seen before. I was not disappointed.
Let's start with character development. There is none. As a result, its very hard to care about these people. Why did Grace go mad and kill her children? Frankly, the kids aren't that appealing anyway.
All through the script you keep asking, "why?", and never get an answer. The script is just bad. With "Sixth Sense", the second time you watch the movie you realize how brilliantly it handled Bruce Willis' character. The clues are all there. In this movie, very early on the "Sixth Sense" ending is on your list, but the clues aren't there to support it. So much is just wasted. It makes no sense.
What was the point of Anne (Alakina Mann) and Nicholas (James Bentley) being light sensitive? It's just not that relevant. What's with Grace's husband (Charles - Christopher Eccleston)? His appearance neither moves the plot along nor gives you clue's into Grace's psyche. Why did she go mad? Why did Charles leave again? What's the story of Mrs. Mills (Fionnula Flanagan), Mr. Tuttle (Eric Sykes), and Lydia (Elaine Cassidy)? Why are they still at the house? Why are they trying to enlighten Grace?
This movie manages to run for 104 minutes and still when its done you know virtually nothing about the main characters.
Wait for the video so you can make liberal use of the fast forward button.