Posted this on my friend's site - my review of Secret Window
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Four words. You stole my story. Thats right. You did. Bastard.
Lets settle a few things first. I am fan of David Koepp: the top-notch screenwriter of the likes of Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, Panic Room, Stir of Echoes (which he also directed), and a personal favourite of mine The Paper.
His latest vehicle Secret Window, however, is rather lackluster, and by lackluster I mean rather effortless. The film gets lazy towards the end and settles for a half-arsed third act. The writer/director does quite a good job establishing a chilling atmosphere but doesnt seem to know where to go from there, resorting to cheap tricks after leading the audience to believe that some great mystery lies behind the perplexing series of events. I felt cheated. Violated if you will. In many unnatural ways. And considering this was a Stephen King story I expected better.
Dont get me wrong, the movie is entertaining nonetheless eerie and tension-filled, the setting of the cottage by the lake and the small country town serves as a neat backdrop as the events of the story are played out. I also found John Turturros Shooter character (a.k.a. You stole my story retard) both an entertaining and creepy Mississippi hick.
Koepp uses all the elements that make for good suspense and, for the most part, uses them to good effect. As the film builds towards the climax, the director skilfully draws in his audience and this is my main problem with the movie the story is so mysterious, so unnerving, yet the ending so dismal.
The supporting cast do well. Charles S. Dutton is always good to see and Maria Bello also fits nicely into her role. The obvious driving force behind this movie, however, is Johnny Depp. He would be a reason to see Secret Window the actors role as a quirky, troubled writer gives the movie its breath of life and although the ending is a let down he works it well and ensures the audience isnt as cheated as it ought to be.
In the end, it does appear that the movie is a disappointing, rather average thriller, but this is Johnnys show and he does well with his part giving the rather substance -less movie more credit than it otherwise would actually deserve.
17/20 Acting
17/20 Directing
7/10 - Writing
8/10 Visuals
7/10 Sounds
26/30 Overall Achievement
=82 or B-