OK...I must admit that the movie's look and general feel are that of a 2nd year film school student's final exam project...Last time I saw camera work this shaky, it was Blair Witch, and they did it on purpose for effect...There was one scene where I literally felt like running to my medicine cabinet for some Dramamine...(Sea sickness was being induced.)
As far as the story goes, there is nothing really novel, but I thought the director built tension in a clever way, and the movie did hold my interest most of the time...Some of the interplay between the main character and her boyfriend did bog down with silly dialog, but not to the point of distraction. The family, (whose son she babysits) was appropriately creepy and cryptic, and making the mom a physician was a good plot device.
I think the big win here is the performance of Skye McCole Bartusiak as the flaky, but well-intentioned baby sitter. This was actually an excellent performance, and in a better-shot movie, I think she would be getting some well-deserved critical acclaim...She was passionate, believable, and struck the perfect balance between a slightly naive young woman finding her way through life, and a confident, kick-ass heroine. Suffice to say, I really thought she was terrific and would not hesitate to see her next project, based on her role in "Sick Boy."
I really liked the ending of this movie, unlike some folks who found it a weak spot.
A good DVD rental if the expectations are low, and the popcorn is hot!
