Nice trick but a poor performance

Rating: Null/10 (6 November 1999)

'The Sixth Sense' presents a unique problem for the reviewer. Its most outstanding feature is a directorial subtlety which deceives the audience right up to the last five minutes and then forces a re-evaluation of the entire film. Unfortunately this subtlety, which is undoubtedly the film's strength, has to remain unexplained. Suffice to say that for many people the highlight of 'The Sixth Sense' will be its conclusion - a fact which betrays the flaws in the film.
'The Sixth Sense' lacks both pace and purpose. Its basic premise is replete with possibilities but none of these are explored. Characters are poorly drawn and lack depth. Apart from the above mentioned 'twist', much of the direction is mediocre. The film contains a few obligatory shocks but fails to maintain suspense. It is a film which continually seems to be about to get going but then grinds to a halt.
The resolution of the film in relation to Haley Joel Osment's character is unsatisfying and lacks a necessary catharcism. The performances of Bruce Willis and Toni Collette are lacklustre owing the deficiencies of the screenplay and the direction. Even the film's raison d'etre - the last five minutes - is telegraphed to such an extent that the discerning viewer will work out what the 'sting in the tail' is to be.
Despite this, it is almost inevitable that 'The Sixth Sense' will be a highly regarded film. Like 'The Blair Witch Project' it contorts reality to such an extent that the deceived viewer is forced to admire it rather than accept the fact that it has exposed the gullibility of its audience.