Don't Be Afraid of the Dark



It's "Gremlins" meets "The Bogey Man" meets "Pandora's Box" when a child's worst nightmare comes true in this remake of a 1973 made-for-TV movie. An unwanted child looking for a friend, an old house with a secret past, and an ancient folklore combine for a creepy suspense thriller. Bailee Madison is adorable as the misunderstood daughter. Katie Holmes is likable as the caring stepmother figure. Guy Pearce is irritating as the dad who ignores his daughter. If you view this film through a child's eyes, you'll have a good enough fright from the classic scare tactics. But if your adult brain takes over, you'll realize some of the plot flaws. The movie isn't terrorizing, but if you jump at things that go bump in the night and fear what lurks in the shadows, you'll may want to sleep with the lights on.



Alien gives it 2 "old school night terrors" stars out of 4.