Movies

Neil Jordan's first-rate direction (many clever camera angles and a few poetic overtones; watch for the shots from the perspective of the surface of the lake) redeems an awfully derivative script, that steals elements from at least two popular horror entries: "Nightmare on Elm Street" and, especially, "The Eyes Of Laura Mars". In some ways, this is a grim, unconventional, often gripping thriller, but the last 20 minutes are weakened by Robert Downey's terrible performance as a psychopathic serial killer; he just keeps mumbling and overacting (maybe he should take some lessons from Anthony Hopkins). On the other hand, Benning is quite convincing, and Aidan Quinn is just perfect is his relatively small part. (**1/2)

The first hour or so of this movie is great. It is interesting, good-viewing and imaginative.It's a pity that after the hour mark the film looses so much effectiveness as it becomes ordinary and predictable. It's a shame that a little of the imagination shown in the first part of the film was not evident towards the end. The film is 8/10 for the first hour, 5/10 for the rest. I feel it deserves 6/10 in total.

This is one of the most boring and poorly written films that I've ever seen. I would have enjoyed it being shown on television with Elvira: Mistress of the Dark hostessing the film. I know that she would definitely pick this one apart to make it watchable! The kitchen sink scene with all of the apples would have been a hoot on television but only with Elvira! Since we don't have the privilege of Elvira anymore, stay away from this one.....doesn't go anywhere interesting! The song, "In Dreams" recorded by Roy Orbison that is played at the beginning of the credits after the film concludes is the high point of the whole film!