Enjoyable but far from brilliant

Rating: 7/10 (4 July 2000)

I liked this movie because it is good entertainment. Its ideas of ghosts and spirits, of powers that heal are nice. And no one can possibly have forseen the unforgettable ending
However, the movie is a far cry from "Brilliant!" or "Masterpiece!" status. At times very slow-moving, it centers too much on the little boy's supernatural encounters, incidents and not nearly enough on the effect it has on the people around him. The plot is not well-developed enough. It seems that Bruce Willis' character decides "ooooh if you help them, they will go away." He does, and they go away. Very sappy and forgettable.
Haley Joel does give a good performance for someone of his age, and Willis is crucial in his supporting role. The conversation with his mother in the car was touching, but moments of real emotional epiphanies are few in this movie.
7.5/10