not so much horror as annoyance

Rating: 2/10 (8 February 2015)

I expected quite a lot after my father said that this was "the creepiest film he had ever seen" but in fact it was annoying to watch.
I have to add, that I did read that book which was definitely a mistake. When I read the book I was scared. No, not only scared. I was that freaked out that I was only able to read the last few pages with the lights on and the TV running - preferably commercials. So when I decided to watch the film I expected something equally terrifying, especially as I am a fan of Jack Nicholson. What I got was.....disappointing.
I do not want to point out every flaw the film had (which were many) but only the two that annoyed me the most.
1. Jack Nicholson. I really do like him BUT he tends to overdo it - which he did. Which he extremely did. There was no transition from loving husband to creepy guy he just was a creepy guy - which kind of destroyed the film. There was one grimace after another and that was NOT the point of the character.
2. The annoying screaming woman. A sex-goddess and loving mother in the book she was turned into a not so sexy (to be nice) super incapable woman whose only purpose was obviously to annoy the audience. Ten minutes into the film (meaning 5 minute car drive and intro) my greatest desire was to see her die painfully, and the screaming hadn't even started.
So, in conclusion: if you haven't read the book and feel a desire to get your eardrum ripped out: watch it. anyone else should definitely read the book.
2 stars because of one good scene with the child and the age-bonus.