cnwiper

I like Ricci as a woman and as obviously the producers noticed, i am not the only one, so the film appeared as a good excuse to expose her naked to the eyes of the general ( male) public. I guess that falls short from being a cure all redeeming feature though. In a nutshell, we have a good cast in an inconclusive film. Some of the plot appears unnatural. SOME SPOILERS AHEAD:For example the quarrel scene at the dinner, felt over the top and forced,with Ricci's character to be acting as a puppet following a script ,rather than a true person responding to the actual events taking place. More importantly though,many contradictory facts prevent the viewer from reaching a certain conclusion as to the central question of the whole plot, which remains unresolved until the very end. Is the protagonist dead or alive after her car accident? The simple answer is that you cannot give an answer, because there are some very important contradictory facts that render both versions unreasonable! If she was alive why couldn't she be heard by her fiancé over the phone when she finally reached one? It couldn't have been the ( almost astronomical) coincidence of a bad line at the particular instance(she heard him just fine) because Neeson's character appeared calm and certain at the particular scene that she wouldn't be heard properly. He wouldn't have sabotaged his own office Phone ( otherwise working in the rest of the film) since the eventuality that Ricci's character ( locked in the basement) would reach a phone in the house could not have been anticipated. The stealing of the keys was not intended by him and actually came to him as a major surprise. Once it was discovered by chance a few minutes after-wards it led to his rushing back home.If on the other hand she was dead, how could she then pick up things or break them or breathe etc. Notwithstanding the supernatural explanation that (only) the Neeson character could "talk" to the dead, how could they mobilize, move around and interact with the environment even in his absence? It is clear that none of these actions were parts of a dream sequence.It doesn't matter that the "she is alive " clues are eventually more ( and far more obvious) than the "she is dead" clues. The film makers manage the impossible : Without introducing in any way the "zombie" notion, they exclude both possibilities.In David Lynch's films there is such quality that you feel instinctively that there has to be an explanation ( or more ) that could make sense of it all.The question is not whether there is an explanation but which one is the more suitable? In this film you begin and finish with a "what the ..." and before halfway, you simply know from the glaring inconsistencies piling up, that the director blew it and won't be getting out of the mess she made of things. And unavoidably, you stop caring about what happens to the obviously neither dead nor alive character played by beautiful Ricci. Despite the ( many) naked scenes...

No need to write a comprehensive review as details of the plot etc can be found elsewhere and i don't like spoilers. Di Caprio's acting is as good as usual and the rest of the cast do pretty well ( Michelle Williams being the almost sad exception).The production values are high , still the film is not as convincing as it should/could have been. The element of surprise is somehow weakened by some elements that "warn" the experienced viewer of what will eventually folllow. The obvious of some observations or conclusions prevents you from really identify with the main character in his emotions and approach. In some scenes the characters appear pretentious or simplistic . The film is also ridden with many thriller/horror clichés. And is it just me or is it the case that some plot holes or loose ends are not covered/ answered sufficiently in the end? Bottomline : If in view of the high ratings you are expecting to see a film in par with say seven or the sixth sense , you need to lower your expectations. It's the only way to enjoy it fot what it is. A no brainer entertaining thriller suitable for a rainy winter night.

OK ,i did find the premise interesting , but come on, the acting is frequently over the top, the characters reactions extreme and unbelievable and so is the ease by which the central heroes "score" with women looking better than top models, as well as their total "immunity" to the occasionally "out of this world" beauty and heavenly figure of some of their "victims" until the "right" one comes along...Needless to say that despite it's somewhat original premise ,the film is ridden with clichés and of course a cheesy "happy" end...The movie tries hard to not be too sleazy, but sleazy enough for teenagers but the result is not so attractive... On the other hand, there are some clever lines and funny scenes and likable protagonists. Overall though unconvincing and unsatisfactory and therefore, overrated...