Effective and hauntingly intriguing

Rating: Null/10 (3 March 2003)

NOTE: THIS REVIEW MAY RUIN THE ENDING OF THE FILM.
I thoroughly enjoyed the film, both for its spine tingiling special effects and narrative. I had expectations of a typical teen horror, as their was no star vehicle to promote the film, but I was wrong. The spirit of Samara is portrayed not unlike waht I have observed in the film Thir13een Ghosts. The seven last days before each victims death is also a poinyant number to note, like the film Se7en. There are many copycat American mainstream techniques presented in this film, but this is what makes itr original. The idea of a lonely island, with many hidden secrets, linked with diseased crazed horses and a psychotic child reveals a mystery genre.
The idea of a child creating so much chaos and havoc, reveals that children are not as innocent as they seem. Bith leading protagonists in the film gave a brilliant performance, but the casting was not heavily delved into. It can easily be believed taht Naomi Watts could be romantically involved with Martin Henderson, it is almost impossible to comprehend that David Dorfman (who plays the character Aidan, son of Hendreson/Noah and Watts/Rachel) a smart, well-dressed, intelligent young boy could be the product of such a young girl. I think the character Rachel is too young to pass as a young mother.
Setting aside the castiong issue, a throughly recommend the film to any thriller/horror fans of films such as Thi13een Ghosts, Se7en, Sixth Sense or Unbreakable.