Great Idea, B Movie Execution

Rating: 4/10 (26 October 2002)

Figures that this is a remake of a movie with a great premise. Unfortunately it is butchered into a B-movie execution. The acting is weak, the editing is weaker, and the plot holes, some ridiculous dialogue and unrealistic events keep it well within B-movie status. It is entertaining but you'll be left unsatisfied at the end of the movie, feeling like too much was left out and that the whole script and movie was a sloppy effort.
The premise in this movie is enough to radiate fear. But from there everything goes downhill although there are one or two nicely done scares. But this is a not great movie, nor even a very good one. That doesn't mean it isn't entertaining but it is instantly forgettable. The audience had a few shriekers and a lot of laughers because of some silliness in the film. I'm looking forward to seeing the Japanese version.
The biggest crime in the creation of this movie is the total lack of depth to the script or reasons behind what goes on. Things happen just "because." It's so silly that at the end you say "well why did that happen? Most good horror movies give you the reasons and answers but this one leaves you with questions, namely, how in the world did this movie get made with such open holes? I can answer the high ratings here -- major ballot box stuffing must have gone on at the IMDB. This movie is nothing more than a 6 at best. Great idea. Truly. Poor execution. See the Japanese version first...