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This could have been a decent horror film for rental or matinee, but Emmanuelle Chiquiri's terrible acting RUINS this movie. Whoever cast her in this part is demented. Her character seems to exist to horribly fake cry, then her acting gets WORSE. It is so bad it genuinely ruins the movie and sucks the life out of good performances by Eliza Dushku, Jeremy Sisto and that other guy (Chris Flynn character) who all put in really good ones. Just when you get lost in the movie and the above par performances her annoying, squeaky/scratchy voice chips with a completely wooden and/or overwrought reading. Whoever allowed this should be blacklisted for eternity. The creepy Hillbillies are actually pretty scary (scarier when silent than when doing their lame hoots). Without Emmanuelle Chiquiri I would probably rate this movie a four out of five low budget horror film stars, with her it wates an almost unbearable two (just because you can still tell how good it could have been for what it is)

The problem with this movie is the complete lack of main characters to care for on any level. They are mostly cruel, angry people who do not deserve a thing. Almost worthless outside the rather charming romance that develops between the characters played by Judge Reinhold and Patrika Darbo. Tess Harper is also a very sympathetic and likable character as a daughter always living in the shadow of her much loved sister and willing to sacrifice too much of her own life for some validation.

the movie had serious potential: Creepy atmosphere, great acting, good idea, great set.. but it ends up a rather embarrassing mess. Penelope Cruz is particularly embarrassing. The character is lame, her acting is lame, and her lines made me cringe and seemed to exist to be put in the trailer. Halle Berry (whom I generally dislike) is quite good in this movie. She hits the right notes of fear, vulnerability,and determination.

There are some definite spine tingling moments but it ends up disappointing and flat. Another comment rightfully compared it to the recent version of "House on Haunted Hill".. they are both potentially super creepy films that end up all style, no substance, and mildly discommodious to be caught watching.