A bold and unqualified triumph, nifty trick and treat for Halloween that is, arguably, Hancock's best film ever, surpassing even his potent heart-tugger, the 1973 baseball drama "Bang the Drum Slowly."
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Although overlong, the picture has a fair measure of jolts and surprises.
60
L.A. WeeklyRon Stringer
L.A. WeeklyRon Stringer
The main inspiration here seems to be David Lynch, though fans of Fred Walton’s 1979 hair-raiser "When a Stranger Calls" may experience a touch of déjà vu as well.
50
Film ThreatEric Campos
Film ThreatEric Campos
Unfortunately, despite a couple of creepy scenes here and there, director John Hancock doesn't inspire enough interest for us to want to follow Tom on his near two-hour Hardy Boys mystery. More groans than gasps for this one.
A sturdy, well-made piece that never quite overcomes its structural flaws.
40
Variety
Variety
A psychological drama cum genteel shocker that's long on ambition and short on delivery.
30
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
A film as grisly as it is dumb.
30
Village VoiceEdward Crouse
Village VoiceEdward Crouse
Alternately tense and cheesy.
25
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Describing what's bad about this movie is like describing what's orange about an orange, but suffice it to say that the best performance is given by a crucified raccoon.
25
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune
This film should have clocked in at 90 minutes, tops, rather than almost two hours. A good, healthy scissor-snipping might have allowed some of its quirkier aspects (like the use of a stun gun and a jaw-dropping lab result) to stand out more.