If not for the ending...

Rating: 8/10 (27 April 2004)

Possible spoilers This was a good movie because of the exploration of the characters, especially young Cole, not particularly because of the plot. There were suspenseful moments-high-drama type score and the shadows of ghosts before they actually appear-but I thought the kid's torment over being constantly haunted was rather simplisticly wrapped up, frankly, and can you really tape a spirit? The performances are all outstanding, especially Donnie Wahlberg in a very brief but pivotal role at the beginning, and HJ could teach seasoned "celebrities" like Tom Cruise and Richard Gere a thing or two. It's the ending that makes people think this is a greater film than it is, though-I remember sitting there thinking, "oh, MAN!! Why didn't I see that COMING??" Watching it a second time, you can't believe you were so dense.