Rating of
2.5/4
Not scary, but pretty interesting
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/02/08
"John" (Denzel Washington) is a veteran police detective who is after the most powerful, and most dangerous criminal he could ever imagine -- a "demon" who can transfer itself from one person to another by a simple touch.
The "demon" has targeted "John" after the latest body it inhabited was killed in a gas chamber for multiple murders. And "John" was the one who brought him, and the "demon" that inhabits him, in.
The "demon" taunts "John" by possessing the bodies of people who "John" either happens to come across or is in his personal life. It also taunts him with riddles it leaves behind at murder scenes. And the only way "John" can identify the demon is by a song from the 1960's it makes those it inhabits hum, whistle or sing.
One of the most unique effects in this entire movie is that we get to see through the eyes of the "demon" and those it inhabits. The scenes are interesting because they are distorted by leaning to the left, and the picture is not crystal clear.
What else is interesting is that every actor who the demon is suppose to inhabit play the "demon" pretty much the exact same way. None put their own twist on it except when the song was being sung.
One thing that this movie lacks is a good scare. To me, that's the only real problem with this movie. Yeah, a few times something or someone pops up to make you jump. However, this movie lacks a good scream.
Out of the entire main cast, Washington has the strongest performance. The rest of the cast isn't really given much to play with.
There is some action, especially when "John" is near the demon, but there really isn't a lot. I personally would have liked to have seen more action and better scares that had just enough time between each to give you a little breather before the next thing happens.
The soundtrack isn't really memorable, although there are some songs you will recognize since they were popular at the time. And the song that the "demon" is known for is on screen just enough so that you won't be going away singing the song to yourself.
If you are looking for a real good scare, this movie is not for you. It is still a pretty good mystery.
