Sorely predictable

Rating: 3/10 (17 October 2002)

*** Semi Spoilerish ***
Naomi Watts makes a good performance, but overall this movie is very disappointing. The story is rather predictable other than the plot twist at the end, but the direction of the movie makes the surprise all the less surprising. From the beginning when the two young girls are teasing each other about the urban legend about the tape, you're given the clue the director is going to tease you by presenting suspense only to turn around and say everything is just a joke. The buildup is somewhat entertaining but the conclusion is quite rushed and leaves you with an empty feeling.
The relationship between the characters is almost nonexistant, you're given no indication of any connection between Rachel and her son other than she's his mother. Most of the interaction occurs between Rachel and Noah, but even that relationship is distant and uninteresting.