Solid start, poor middle, good end!

Rating: Null/10 (16 February 2003)

**********POSSIBLE SPOILERS***********

This movie has one of the best chiller openings since 'Scream' (1996). We then get to see the infamous tape which is a supposed death sentence to all who watch. The imagery on it is truly bizarre and quite disturbing. Just like a nightmare. The cinematography is so saturated the movie feels like it's all abit of a dream (don't worry, it isn't, it's not like they all wake up at the end or anything). The main actors play there roles well, and I must say the Naomi Watts is damn attractive! The little kid looks freaky and is perhaps too much of a Hayley Joel Osment clone. He's still good though. Anyway, I digress. Be prepared to jump out of your skin a few times too....aswell as having your skin crawl. This is a very strange film that will clench your nerves. Be warned though, if you're expecting a more teen orientated stalk and death movie as I was from the trailer, prepare for disappointment. This is more 6th Sense than it is Final Destination.

HOWEVER, we get to the middle chunk of the movie and we have this rather slow and utterly confusing investigation into the tape and who's on it etc etc. This was over an hour and the film became very stagnated. I began to get bored because no matter what new information was uncovered, I still couldn't understand alot of things. Such as; who made the blooming tape? What was so wrong with the girl that she brought trouble wherever she goes? Why was the well actually nowhere near the island yet horses were running around near there? Why were the girl and her mother there? The cabin had been built over the well, but that cabin looked more than 24 years old. How in the name of God did the little boy know about the girl down the well? And why did she keep on killing in the same style after she had been 'set free. These bewildering questions prevent this movie from being anything above a 3 star movie. I was scared during it though, and the images of the girl coming out of the well will haunt me for a while yet. The ending is good but drags on abit. Just as you expect to see the credits, another scene is played out, then another, then another..........so much you just want it to end. The Alternate Versions illustrated on the Imdb would have been interesting additions, and I don't think we will get to see them on the DVD which is a bummer! Nevermind.
Anyway, watch this movie. I recommend it. But prepare to have your brain melted thinking about it afterwards. If anyone reads this and can explain the plot-holes I outlined, feel free to e-mail me and set me straight. Thanks, adios amigos.