User reviews

Relative newcomers, writer Bill Kelly and director Mennan Yapo, have concocted a testy little conundrum of a movie titled PREMONITION: whether the audience decides to step into their little nightmare or reject the premise that powerful emotions can drive the brain to peculiar directions of functioning will be the divisive break in acceptance of the film's premise. It is a fairly well done, thought provoking experience and is carried by some better than average performances by a strong cast.

The Hanson family is introduced as the husband Jim (Julian McMahon) and wife Linda (Sandra Bullock) buy their new home. Jump forward after the credits to a family that now includes two young schoolgirls (Shyann McClure and Courtney Taylor Burness), a seemingly mildly depressed Linda and a workaholic Jim. Abruptly, Linda is informed by a police officer that Jim has died in an auto accident and her close friend (Nia Long) and mother (Irene Ziegler) help Linda through the early moments of the tragedy. Yet Linda continues to 'relive' moments: one day Jim is dead the next he is alive, and all of the pieces of the puzzle that erode Linda's mind become clues to investigate information she doesn't want to know. She encounters a warped psychiatrist (Peter Stormare) and a possible 'other woman' in Jim's life (Amber Valletta), and as she attempts to mold the puzzle pieces to make sense, she learns about the possible 'why' of the mental state in which she is trapped.

The film has problems holding credibility, but then the premise is a novel enough to allow such missteps. Sandra Bullock takes over this role completely, gains our empathy, and in the end the film works because of her. She is becoming an actress who is learning the value of understatement and that aspect of her craft serves her well. No, this is not a great movie, but it is a well-produced little mystery that asks the audience to engage both mind and imagination, and that is a good thing! Grady Harp

Even though 'Premonition' is a remake, it starts off quite well by creating the suspense but as the story proceeds, we are presented with more plot holes (the scar on the daughter's face was absent on Wednesday but she crashed into glass on Tuesday) and towards the end it all becomes ridiculously messy. It is quite well shot and Sandra Bullock does a commendable job carrying the whole film. However the writing is a letdown and the background score acts as a spoiler. The supporting cast does not stand out much as they are not given much to do. Julian McMahon is quite okay. 'Premonition' pretty much turns out just to be another one of those thrillers that one can watch once and then forget. Towards the end, the writer throws in the religious angle (Bullock's character was not portrayed as someone religious or one who lost faith, thus this does not quite fit) which looks forced and of course the usual Hollywood ending. It is not exactly a boring film as one would sit through it till the end. Mostly because we are interested to know what happens to Linda (Bullock makes us care about her). Other than that, the film creates a mood that keeps the viewer somewhat involved.

I went to see Premonition yesterday and I enjoyed it very much, so I can't understand why people say that this is a bad film. It's a good psychological drama with top acting and good directing. It's a movie on which you have to focus, but that goes automatically and it's not so hard to follow when you don't think "What the hell is going on" during the film.

Sandra Bullock is very convincing, as always, and we also get some good performances by Kate Nelligan, Nia Long and Julian McMahon.

So please, don't listen to the critics, they don't know what they're talking about. And as for the rating on IMDb: the only explanation I can think of is that a lot of people don't get this film because it's too complicated (although it's not), or because they didn't like the ending, or maybe because they expected too much. But this is definitely a very good drama, and it's one of those movies that make you think about how important life is.

Everyone who wants to see this movie: see it without any expectations and prejudices, you won't be disappointed.

Despite the rather thorough drubbing it suffered at the hands of some of the nation's most prestigious critics, "Premonition" is actually a pretty well-thought-out and tightly wound thriller, given emotion and heart by its star, Sandra Bullock. It's not a movie I would be wiling to go to the mat for, but as throwaway thrillers go, this one is really not half bad.

Bullock plays Linda Quinn Hanson, a suburban mother of two, who receives the shattering news that her husband has been killed in an auto accident. However, when she wakes up the next morning, she finds him, strangely, sitting in the kitchen, suddenly alive and well, benignly sipping coffee before heading off to work. The question quickly arises, did she dream the story of his death, is she dreaming now, or is she undergoing some sort of mental crisis precipitated by the shock of her loss? Or is she caught in some sort of bizarre time warp that allows her to jump back and forth between the periods before and after his "death," and, if so, might she be able to step in and alter the course of events to prevent the accident from happening in the first place?

In both concept and form, "Premonition" is pretty much an assembly-line thriller designed to tweak the audience's brain cells for a couple of hours before sending everyone home with not a whole heck of a lot left to think about once it's over. Still, it's intriguing enough while it lasts and only the true nitpickers among us will feel compelled to put its twists and turns in logic under the scrutiny of a critical microscope. Despite a few weak moments in her performance, Bullock actually makes us care about the character and the very strange thing that is happening to her.

"The Premonition" is by no means a classic - or even first rate - chiller, but those with a few spare hours on their hands and a penchant for brain-puzzlers could do worse than check it out.

The middle-class couple Linda Hanson (Sandra Bullock) and Jim Hanson (Julian McMahon) lives a wasted and routine relationship with their two daughters in their comfortable house in the suburbs. On a Wednesday morning, the local sheriff visits Linda and tells her that her husband died in a car accident on the previous day. On the next morning, when Linda awakes, she finds Jim safe and sound at home. When she awakes on the next morning, she realizes that her days are out of order, but her family and friends believe she is insane.

"Premonition" is an enjoyable movie of romance, drama and mystery, with an original but flawed screenplay and good performances. The story gives at least two positive messages: live each day of your life at its utmost since it is not possible to control time and the future; and also a message of hope in the end. I only do not understand how the crew, director, editor, producers, anybody related to the production and edition of this film does not fix the plot holes, especially the one related to the unnecessary cuts on Bridgette's face. The Brazilian DVD distributed by Paris Filmes shamefully inserts an advertisement of a computer company over the credits, in a total disrespect with the viewer. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Premonições" ("Premonitions")

I read some negative reviews of this movie before I went to see it. They were completely misguided! The movie is both intelligent and emotionally appealing. The actors are excellent. The literary symbols are consistent and right on the mark for the destination of this very well-made film. It is important to keep in mind that the movie is made on a time-line of contingencies, so that what would otherwise be inconsistent actually can make sense in light of changes introduced by the non-sequential experiences of Sandra Bullock's character. I suppose those looking for some kind of horror movie or brain-blank thriller (both of which can be enjoyable in their own light) might not have enjoyed it. But those looking for a narrative worth following, a message with some significance, and a generally well-made movie ought to see it.

I had a premonition this movie would suck, but it wasn't even that bad. The movie is another mystery thriller that toys with the concept of time. Actually it borrows heavily from Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse 5" with the main character jumping back and forth in time. The problem is that the viewer is always two steps ahead of Sandra Bullock. We watch her slowly finding out what we have known all along and that takes away a lot from the tension.

What's worse are the many mistakes that director Mennan Yapo makes along the way (like a huge continuity error that involves one character getting her face cut and "losing" the wounds for one day). Also, the title is a bit inapt since Sandra Bullock doesn't actually have a "Premonition" but rather lives the days of one week in the wrong order.

So, yeah, this movie is definitely no masterpiece, but it's good enough for one more or less enjoyable viewing. Think an overly long episode of "Twilight Zone" and you'll have an idea of what you're getting from "Premonition".

Sandra Bullock has to try to figure out if her husband is a live or dead as she shifts through time and dream to sort out her life and his possible death.

New Age-y story is too confusing and less than engaging in a Lifetime style supernatural tale for the big screen. TV movie feel aside the film suffers from doubling and tripling back on itself about nine times too many so that when you get to the end, the "THIS IS REAL" moment you really won't care since you'll have ad the wool pulled over your eyes once too often. I saw this in the theater and began to play a video game on my cellphone to pass the time to the end because I didn't care what was happening I just wanted to know what the end really was(and lest you think I disturbed anyone by doing so, I was all alone). Whats worse my reaction at the end was a loud "Thats it?" said in disbelief.

Its movies like this that make you wonder why we go to the movies when they throw such crap at us.

I just saw this in the cinema last night with my girlfriend. First of all, this movie was not even close to as bad as pretty much every review has said. This was a very interesting movie and worked upon an original idea and executed it in an above average manner. The only gripes I had with it were that the priest in the end and Dr. Roth were casted very poorly and detracted from the punch in the end. Speaking of the ending, it wasn't nearly as a let down as people say on here either. Not quite a movie I'd see more than once, but it kept me interested and entertained until the end- what more could you ask for? The scenery and cinematography were excellent and the whole movie seemed like it took place either at sunrise or at sunset, which added a serene and quiet backdrop to it, which I noticed right away. The soundtrack was fantastic and right up there with the Sixth Sense in terms of effectiveness; none of it got in the way of the action.

I highly recommend this movie to families and couples- it's a great way to forget about the outside world for an hour or so! Grade: B-

Going into this film I had a strong disliking towards Sandra Bullock and did this film help? No, not really.

So to start, the first 45 mins of the film is actually really good, I'd argue it's 8/10 good. The plot is set out nicely, the changing between present and future was done subtly, but noticeable and the film had a very nice pace to it. No boring moments. But ultimately, it was just interesting. I was hooked in from the first minute and I wanted to know more, what's going to happen next? How does it get resolved?

Unfortunately, this is where is all goes downhill for me and the rating drops and drops. The pace of the film comes to a complete standstill almost, nothing of value is really happening anymore. With a film like this you are waiting for that one big "wow" moment, the scenes that tie up everything. And it just never comes.

The film ends, and without spoiling, solves absolutely nothing. Meaning the whole film was a huge waste of time. Stupid character decisions didn't help the cause either! (You'll be annoyed also if you watch). As stated in the title, it was all just incredibly underwhelming. The pace really didn't help and by the time the film was wrapping up, I just wanted it done. That moment of being hooked in had gone and I just became bored at the lack of things happening.

But yeah, sadly this film just goes downhill, which is a shame because it could have been really great if done a bit differently. 5/10 from me. Slap down the middle, average!

I watched this movie in a Sneak Preview. The reaction to the name Sandra Bullock at the (beginning) titles was bad! She wasn't well received at first. If you also have a problem with her, than you might want to stay away from this movie. Although the people who stayed and watched the film were pleasantly surprised ... I'd say judging by their reactions after the movie was over.

The movie itself begins slowly, but after the introduction and "the" incident that kicks off the story, it all goes fast, so you have to stay with it! From then on, it's trying to figure out what's happening! And the viewer should realize something earlier than Sandra Bullocks character ... It's well acted and overall well written (there are holes in the script, but I think forgivable ones), but it's the ending that will split people: Some will like it and some won't!

Just saw the movie and I left the theater wondering why the Director (or who ever decides the end) would pick this ending? I was sitting in my seat for 5 minutes wondering WHY WHY WHY...... It really makes me mad because I'm a die hard Sandra Bullock fan. She is such a talented actress and she is so beautiful in so many ways(her smile is #1 on my list)! A lot of reviews/critics will say Sandra didn't act her part very well, She acted the part to perfection in my opinion. Anyways very suspenseful movie(till the horrible ending), worth seeing and if your waiting for it on DVD you better pray for an alternate ending. I really think the filmmakers should put any alternate ending on the DVD , then I will buy it for sure.

Seriously?! What a waste of time with a ridiculous storyline and dumb ending. I recommend passing on this movie, but if you decide to see it, and you read my review before seeing it..."I told you so."

Jittery, solemn melodrama about a businessman's wife and mother of two who seems to be living a tumultuous week out of sequence: one day she's being told her husband has perished in a car accident, the next morning she wakes to find him in the kitchen! It's nearly impossible (and useless) to pick apart screenwriter Bill Kelly's shuffled format when that format is the film's entire agenda; however, certain sections of the movie simply do not gel, such as Bullock, accused of hurting her daughter, being dragged out of her home by an imposing psychiatrist (she doesn't know what happened, but that doesn't mean everyone else should be in the dark). There's a bracing quality to the theme of the picture--do we attempt to stop fatal events from happening if we have an inkling of their outcome?--but that nearly gets lost here, mostly due to the writing; Kelly has created a group of stony characters who enter and exit rooms in a flash without proper communication. The acting and technical values are solid, but frustration builds instead of suspense. "Premonition" feels blunted, and one can sense director Mennan Yapo's indecision, particularly at the final gate which is just a passel of former scenes. **1/2 from ****

Here's a clue on how to watch this movie: If you're looking to be disappointed based on any inconsistencies, pay closer attention to the movie. The so-called "inconsistencies" are actually based on a series of events that combine to actually change many of the things you end up seeing happening early on in the movie. Remember: The events that you see happening on the screen aren't happening linearly. The calendar hops all over the place throughout the movie, so it is possible for events that transpire one day to effect what ends up happening in future days. There are two days that are especially noteworthy in terms of what would change the events of the future and they happen toward the end of the movie. Think of how these events will affect the other events that happen in the future and remember that as you see what happens at the end of the movie.

I think the reason this movie hasn't been garnering a lot of critical praise is because movie critics don't really want to have to utilize logic while watching a movie. Another poorly reviewed film starring Sandra Bullock, the truly brilliant The Lake House, was an even bigger victim of movie critics' pathetically anemic logic processing skills. In watching both movies, you really have to keep your faculties alert and not lull yourself into a sense of "okay, I can just turn my brain off now." And really, even though this movie isn't as good as The Lake House, it is equally blessed with the beautiful, talented Ms. Bullock, on top of featuring the beautiful, talented Nia Long, the totally likable Julian McMahon, and some very good acting by the child actors. And the film is very beautiful to look at, too; I now understand why Bullock was raving about the cinematography and direction.

So please do see this movie and don't be dissuaded by the negative remarks. You really do have to pay attention to this film in order to enjoy it, but once you do pay attention, you will be richly rewarded. I'm glad I went to see it and so should you.

I didn't really know anything about "Premonition" when I turned it on. After about half an hour, I figured out what was going on before they officially revealed it. The movie's strength is how they lay everything out, although you might be able to predict what eventually happens. I wouldn't call the movie particularly suspenseful, but it's still worth seeing. I couldn't tell whether there was supposed to be a religious theme.

Sandra Bullock plays a little bit against type as a housewife (I usually expect her characters to be bitchier than this). I got the feeling that the movie may have been channeling Robert Zemeckis's "What Lies Beneath", as both movies portray the wife getting suspicious about what's been going on in her household (not to mention that both movies co-star Amber Valletta, and both have characters named Claire and Norman). But maybe that's just me.

So, it's an OK movie. While far from any masterpiece, I still like how they set it up. Also starring Julian McMahon, Nia Long, Kate Nelligan and Peter Stormare.

Time travel, eh? What a tricky old subject it is. Never seem to get it quite right, do they, these filmmakers? They always seem to drop a clanger that's caught not only by those film geeks who can spot obscure meaningless anachronisms that nobody else cares about, but even those who are paying only passing attention (eg. the older daughter doesn't have scars when she should). On top of this, the character caught up in this time-hopping conundrum resolutely fails to do the one thing every ordinary person would do in the same situation: try to break the chain of events. If the reasoning of this film is to be followed the outcome would be the same, but at least there would be a little logic involved.

Sandra Bullock plays the depressed housewife who, for no apparent reason, finds herself batted back and forth in time like a ball of wool between a kitten's paws. Every time she wakes up she finds herself one side or the other of her husband's death and very slowly pieces together the pieces of the puzzle. For the most part her predicament is surprisingly uninvolving, possibly because the writers neglected to give her any sort of character whatsoever, just a set of predictable responses to fantastic situations. Only at one brief moment, when Bullock asks her screen mother, 'If I let Jim die, is that the same thing as killing him?' does the film even remotely look as if it is going to go off in some interesting direction. Unfortunately, that idea is dropped as quickly as it is suggested, and the film lumbers toward one of those predictable conclusions that used to be a twist when Rod Serling wrote it in the 50s.

The film isn't boring, but it isn't particularly interesting either. Bullock does what she's paid to do, but she's a lightweight actress at the best of times so, really, you should know what to expect when you see that she's appearing in this type of film.