Not as scary as Signs, but still very good

Rating: 8/10 (30 July 2004)

This is a great film. It is one of those that will make you think, and go back and try to find the hints to the final twist. It has been pumped up and advertised as being really scary. But it's not as scary as Signs (but it does have it's moments). The advertising is a little misleading and makes it look like it is a horror movie, which it certainly isn't. Having said that, I highly recommend this film. Almost everything you see in the previews occurs within the first half hour or so of the movie. This actually leaves you really wondering and anxious about what will happen next.
Bryce Howard shows a lot of promise and appears to be more than just another Hollywood brat. This is certainly her movie, and not Phoenix's, though he is quite enjoyable as well. The focus is on Howard. This is good, but it forces other great actors like Hurt and Weaver to be under used.
After viewing the film, you will have to think about it a lot. Are the character's actions justified? What lengths would any of us go to to protect ourselves and those we love? What is the price of fear? Is the end result worth it?