When a scientist and three subjects spend a few days in a haunted house for what is supposedly a sleep disorder study, the house comes alive with the spirits of children murdered in the house years ago. Poor performances all around and a weak story line leave this movie with only one thing -good special effects. But, these great special effects become the film's biggest downfall as they make everything so NOT scary. Missing are the creepy little subleties that leave us slightly uncomfortable during the movie, but afraid to walk around in the dark later that night. Whe you find yourself laughing at what is supposed to be the frightening climax, you have to really ask the question... can hollywood do scary anymore?

Memo to director Jan De Bont: see the Blair Witch Project -it wasn't extremely scary, but at least it had the right idea.