This isn't the sort of movie I would choose to watch, and I can't honestly say I was rewarded. I liked Julio well enough, and Beverly was certainly pleasant as well as pretty. Mr. Johnson was sufficiently creepy but not really a bad person. Mrs. Grey was nasty so something that happens should make people happy, I tried to like Phil, but he had some difficult scenes and sometimes I thought he went overboard.
The whole building is creepy on several levels, if that's what you like. Some areas look as nice as if they were new, but after all, parts of the building are luxury apartments. Those who can't afford those apartments ... well, those aren't so nice. One floor doesn't seem to have any lights other than the red light used when developing film, also used when the elevator is stuck. And Walter's apartment is full of religious imagery. Sound effects, scary music, and some kind of chanting add to the atmosphere.
And there is the obligatory exciting ending. But a number of developments you might not expect.
If there is any reason to praise the movie, it's the young actress who plays the little girl. I can't say just why she is so good without giving something away you really don't want to know, but she comes across in a way that makes me think she could have played Wednesday Addams, except in a more friendly way than that.
And of course there is Val Kilmer. I'm not that familiar with him but I recently saw another movie where his cancer affected his ability to speak, and that added something to the other movie, as well as this one. This man is beyond scary.
Another good thing about the movie is the use of a good song in one scene. It's not that often music that good is played in a movie.
Should children watch this? No, they might get nightmares.
Can I recommend this? I'm no expert on how to tell if a thriller/horror film is good. Maybe. But definitely not a classic.
The whole building is creepy on several levels, if that's what you like. Some areas look as nice as if they were new, but after all, parts of the building are luxury apartments. Those who can't afford those apartments ... well, those aren't so nice. One floor doesn't seem to have any lights other than the red light used when developing film, also used when the elevator is stuck. And Walter's apartment is full of religious imagery. Sound effects, scary music, and some kind of chanting add to the atmosphere.
And there is the obligatory exciting ending. But a number of developments you might not expect.
If there is any reason to praise the movie, it's the young actress who plays the little girl. I can't say just why she is so good without giving something away you really don't want to know, but she comes across in a way that makes me think she could have played Wednesday Addams, except in a more friendly way than that.
And of course there is Val Kilmer. I'm not that familiar with him but I recently saw another movie where his cancer affected his ability to speak, and that added something to the other movie, as well as this one. This man is beyond scary.
Another good thing about the movie is the use of a good song in one scene. It's not that often music that good is played in a movie.
Should children watch this? No, they might get nightmares.
Can I recommend this? I'm no expert on how to tell if a thriller/horror film is good. Maybe. But definitely not a classic.