Just watched this last night and was wondering what you guys thought of it. I'm surprised I hadn't seen it before. Here's my take
QUOTE:
This one of those little movies that never got much in the line of studio promotion or advertising budget. You might have seen it, single copy on the bottom of the Video Rental Shelf. You probably passed it by, assuming it was some 'straight to video' D-Grade Horror, or maybe some embarrassing first film of Ewan McGregors being resurrected to cash in on his new fame?
If you love creepy suspense thrillers than I bet you will be as surprised as i was. ITS GOOD!
I might have a psychological bias since I have worked in a morgue, but the cold wet atmosphere, chilling lighting and downright suspense had me creeped out and twitching all the way through.
Ewan McGregor is solid as always and a fantastic sympathetic character if there ever was one. I really have to say something about Josh Brolin here - what a great performance. A scene between him and Alix Koromzay (Joyce) was one of those amazing little scenes you cant forget! Let me also say something about Nick Nolte in this - FREAKY. Some might find his character 'too predictable' but I don't think you need to worry about finding out 'who done it' either, you just cringe and chill at how bloody creepy Nolte is!
Yes, this is somewhat campy and occasionally wry and I loved it - Brad Dourif makes something of a 'Cameo' (not really but with him it feels like it heh) and you gotta smile at that. It doesn't abuse the tongue in cheekiness though.. It really does take itself just seriously enough to win.
European to American Remakes often fall short but this time the same Director made both and well done! Direction was absolutely perfect for me and I found it clever enough and creepy enough to give it a very solid Seven out of Ten.
Definitely one of those 'Under-rated but surprisingly good!' movies and its a shame most people never saw it come and go!