Scanialara You won't be disappointed!

Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.

Mjeteconer Just perfect...

BeSummers Funny, strange, confrontational and subversive, this is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.

punishmentpark 'Wicked' has long been on my list to watch, mostly because of the enchanting Julia Styles, but I was as much afraid that it would be just something of a B-film with no redeeming qualities. But I was quite wrong, I'm happy to admit. It opens straight away with a blend of some Hitchcockian elements (fine cinematography, fine classical music - there is some noisy music later on, as well - and a square stairwell, even!), showing us the main character Ellie, who's in the habit of running away from every almost every single day, and a few other key inhabitants of Casa del Norte, a secured suburb somewhere in America. And that Hitchcockian feel never goes away.The story is not all the time focused on the thriller side of things, but mostly feels like something close to a twisted - quite twisted - black crime comedy on suburban family life gone astray, with some horror and drama elements. The title, plot and movie poster really don't leave much room for guessing, but there's a twist at the end, and the whole ride is more than fun enough to go along for - I've even seen it twice within a few days. Julia Styles may take the cake, but not without Vanessa Zima taking a big chunk as well, and none of the other cast members disappoint.A devious little flick from the late '90s that is worth a try, I'd say. A good 7 out of 10.

Brams2002 I loved the movie! Well, the message itself, is certainly upbeat. I can't really remember too many films with an ending such as this. Maybe The Bad Seed .... just spooky .... but, entertaining. There is so many interesting things going on in this film. The parents, the kids, the neighbors, etc. Obviously, somewhere along the line it seems that each and every person is put under a spell of some sort. Creepy. In reality, the way I view it, these are actors .... we are the audience, plain & simple. Guess hat? I just totally adored the gorgeous house! Who was the wonderful set-decorator? They should get an award! Those blue/violet drapes, remember those? What about the Fabe walls in all those different hues! AWESOME ... where can I purchase these panels is what I'd like to know? For those of you who have not seen this film, do so, & enjoy. Well, only if you can tolerate murder ... sorry. Can't wait until cable runs it again! Maybe I should just purchase it for my movie library ~ yeah, it's THAT good!

RealSmiff some spoilers aheadOn the one hand, this is ridiculous & juvenile, silly & cheesy to the point where you wonder how the cast didn't burst out laughing (e.g. dinner scene with music and daughter all tarted-up). The script can be clumsy ("Who died and made you boss?... Oh." doesn't work) and move too fast, jerking instead of gradually pulling you into it's messed up world.On the other hand, it often hits the mark and at moments is very creepy (e.g. where the father realises it's not his wife he's holding - and it's a genuine mistake) - the whole incest/underage daughter-father thing bothers me, as it should, and as it's supposed to. It made it more interesting that the father seems a normal guy (if slightly stupid not to see what's going on), so this is an examination of one girl's mental illness in an otherwise 'normal' world... reminded me a little of Peter Jackson's 'Heavenly Creatures'. (I hope he was normal.. i don't think he was coming onto her was he?).Stiles is well cast, a few years too old i think but they couldn't have got anyone younger to pull off the emotional side. Her matter-of-fact delivery, similar to '10 Things...' contrasts with the strangeness of her character's actions to actually make it weirder, which i liked. Both sisters, the father and everyone else are above average actors given what they've got. Scenes between Patrick Muldoon and Julia Stiles are great... they're aims are so hopelessly different, you feel sorry for one, then the other. The detective character is pretty ridiculous.. thrillers so often prop up their plot with the all-powerful ever-present detective.. why is he always alone? where are all the other policemen? It helps not to be too logical and picky for this film.Fairly successful thriller/horror, couple of places really did make me jump (hey, i'm a chicken). I guess like a lot of films in these genres how well it succeeds depends how easily you can overlook "unrealistic" plotting in the 1st half and silly plot twist at end (?!) - a weak beginning and ending, but strong middle, good performances (including Louise Myrback as Lena), some unusual ideas, probably underrated, i'll give it 7/10. Probably not good for repeated viewing though.Interesting reading the other comments - someone said not to watch this movie with your father - aha! so the movie hit the mark ;) Others disappointed because they don't see any nudity.. that's not really a failing of the film is it. I will fault the sound mix: often had to replay bits and turn it up to catch dialogue, then found it really loud in the music. Maybe just my copy/system/ears.

justine9628345 I was not aware that Julia Stiles would do something like this, although I praise her for her acting skills. It is a good thing that this film was made before she hit it big. Unfortunately they keep showing this terrible film on hbo and cinemax. God help all those who have seen this film and to aide them from vomitting.