A Classic Haunted House Movie

Rating: 8/10 (4 September 2001)

I know a movie is creeping me out when I feel like someone or something is going to grab my ankles from behind my seat. This film did that, with gusto. I found that the incredible performances all around, most notably Nicole Kidman's turn as the frazzled lady of the house, made up for a VERY predictable "twist" ending. The scene that I found the most unsettling was when she found the photo album, and it stuck with me. The setting was incredibly ominous, and the shocks kept coming, even though I correctly predicted how it would end halfway through. A film this predictable has to have some very strong merits in other areas to get a good review from me, and this one has plenty. Destined to become a classic, because it already feels like one. This is a film that could easily have come out 40 or 50 years ago, and that's a great compliment. The lack of special effects HELPED the movie, in my mind. I remember giggling insanely at the "ghosts" in 1999's "The Haunting", and thankfully, the effects were muted, if not non-existent here. This is a classic haunted house movie, and it delivers.