An Oscar for Osment! "Sixth Sense" is a *** 1/2 Must-See Film

Rating: 9/10 (11 September 1999)

Not only can Cole Sear "sense" dead spirits around him, he sees and can communicate with them. Thanks to a solid script and clever direction by M. Night Shyamalan and an incredible performance by young Haley Joel Osment (as Cole), this is one summer thriller that should not be missed. Sure, Bruce Willis is given top-billing in all of the film's promotional efforts, but there is no doubt who the "star" of this creepy and affecting film is. Osment is remarkable in the role of an elementary-aged boy with "The Sixth Sense". With psychiatric help (from Willis in a role very much resembling his turn in "The Color of Night"), Cole attempts to overcome his disturbing otherworldly visions and the fact that many of his classmates (and even his teacher) consider him a freak. Fortunately for all, Willis keeps his pants on and Osment works magic, playing his character with as much skill and believability as someone many times his age. Let the Oscar buzz begin! I'm wondering, just how young was the youngest Best Actor winner!?