Well-made if somewhat predictable ghost story

Rating: Null/10 (17 September 2001)

Good production values, subtle visual effects and underplayed acting (particularly from Willis) go to illustrate an unusual approach to the ghost-story genre, though the ending screams predictability - couldn't believe so many people were fooled by this (see THE CRYING GAME if you like unexpected plot twists!). A plethora of inconsistencies gives the game away almost from the outset. Nearly as much of a letdown as JACOB'S LADDER.
The film is over-rated as a result, deserving as it did its lack of Oscar success, though it did lead to a semi-revival of the 'spook' picture (e.g. the superior STIR OF ECHOES, THE HAUNTING), for which we should, for the most part, be grateful.
For the most effective treatment of the genre, fans of the supernatural should instead try and catch THE WOMAN IN BLACK, now available on DVD.