The Hollow

The movie script was mediocre as were the special effects. However, it was a good Halloween movie for children because it wasn't inappropriate or overly scary. The acting could have been a bit better from Kaely Cucuo. Nick Carter did a surprisingly great job at acting. He has some talent other than singing inside him! I think the story line was a good idea (taking the story of Icabode Crane instead of just the headless horseman). I think the acting was only mediocre because the script was not written as well as it could be. That being said, Nick Carter did an even better job than I was expecting (and I'm a huge fan!) and go nick! When this movie is released to DVD, it is a good buy for Nick Carter fans or for parents with children from 8-12. I believe it was rated R for swearing, so maybe get the unedited version. Other than that it's not bad, not scary. More funny than scary

The Hollow was an OK movie with OK acting. Rent it you could get a little freaked. Kaley Cuoco from TV's 8 Simple Rules is in it, as well as the Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter (Who does worse than Paris Hilton did in HOUSE OF WAX). The movie originally aired on ABC Family, which in my opinion, it shouldn't have, because it was kind of freaky for being a family movie. The TV rating is TV-14 (D,V,L,S) and the MPAA Rating for it is R (for some scary images and sexuality). So if it's rated R why is it considered a family movie? Anyway, THE HOLLOW is an OK movie which I would spend 4 bucks to rent or just watch it on ABC Family's "The Thirteen Nights Of Halloween" (airing from October 19 - October 31).

Although, the tale of the Headless Horseman has been told in previous films, Kyle Newman's directorial effort for "The Hollow" is not bad, but not good either. Set in the modern day, The Hollow tells the story of a young teenager named Ian played by Kevin Zegers. Ian happens to be interested in a girl at the local highschool played by Kaley Cuoco. Although she is dating the highschool quaterback (Nick Carter) she falls in love with Ian. But things go wrong when Ian discovers he is the great-great grandson of Icahbod Crane, and on Halloween, the legend of the headless horseman rides again and begins a grisly slaughter against the teenagers of the town. It is up to Ian to stop him. The Hollow lacks suspense and some occasional bad acting, but the story and the musical score kept the film at pace. It was interesting to see Joseph Mazzolo in a film, since he has not been familiar in films since "Jurassic Park". Also Stacy Keach steels the film has the mysterious graveyard keeper who knows the secret of the horseman and Ian's past, and it was nice to see Judge Reinhold as the abusive father type and Oscar nominee Eileen Brennan (Private Benjamin), as usual, looking mean and cruel. Above all, The Hollow, really could have used a tad more originality and maybe shifted a little bit instead of the standard teen slasher film, but you can't except much from a film such as this.

The acting is what you'd expect from a group of young actors being led by a young director, and probably a production management group of those in their 20's. The older actors, like Keach and Reinholdt do well, but then they've got talent to draw upon. The story is interesting yet lacks a sense of build and suspense. It's unpleasant to see the filmmakers essentially use Washington Irving as a horror character, or I should say use his grave as a horror element. The Headless Horseman is a nice horrific image with an over-sized, hideous looking jack-o-lantern for a head (which should have been slightly smaller). He's not quite as scary as the Christopher Walken horseman in Sleepy Hollow, but still pretty good. He's also a little too sluggish on his horse, not really as quick as one would expect. The climax is weak and could have been better realized. It's a worthy climax in theory, but just not well-handled and with very limited action.

I watched this movie last night with my 8 year old and several of my nieces and nephews who range in age between 7 - 16. This was an entertaining movie. It had us hooked from the beginning. All bad language had been edited out... the violence and gore was implied enough that it got the point across without upsetting the younger kids. It was a great Halloween movie that had enough fright to have the younger kids burying their heads under pillows. The story line was not extremely deep, but it was a great fun movie. There were a few recognizable stars in the cast and a couple that I would say will be "up and coming". Kevin Zegers plays the leading man and I think he really has a nice look about him, and talent to boot. Kaley Cuoco was the leading lady and I just don't think she pulled it off. Nick Carter also had a main role... terrible. Shelley Bennett (up and coming?)played a supporting role - "Erica" - I think they could have utilized her more, she did really good with what they gave her. I think a flip flop of Kaley and Shelley in the roles would have upgraded the movie. All in all, it was a fun flick to watch for the adults and kids and I would watch it again.