behavior of his wife, a series of terrifying events unfold. Great plot twists, and an unexpectedly original surprise ending. Highly recommended!

are all kinds of strange things, and strangest of all and old record called 'The Conjure of Sacrifice'. Caroline begins to suspect something isn't going right within the home. She asks her friend Jill who explains that the attic is probably a Hoodoo room, and tells Caroline that Hoodoo is folk magic, and it can't hurt you if you don't believe in it. But if Caroline dares believe in what she has been exposed to, it can ultimately destroy her. Could there be ghosts within the old home? Or could something else even more sinister be going on? I can't say a whole lot about this movie, but trust me you will be pleased with it, and the ending will surely shock you. It has to be one of the greatest twists I've seen in a movie, and came completely unexpected. When you think you know what's happening, everything is completely reversed, and I have much respect for the writer of this film, who incidentally wrote 2002's hit "The Ring". I think this film is by far better though.The movie sets a very creepy tone and atmosphere, with all the imagery of the Spanish moss, etc. Director Softeley uses lots of southern imagery to add a certain texture to the movie. Also the record featured in the film, 'The Conjure of Sacrifice' is very creepy, listening to it can give you the chills. Kate Hudson is excellent as our main character, and Gena Rowlands was perfect for the shadowy yet friendly old woman. John Hurt is great too, speaking hardly one word throughout the whole movie, yet giving a perfect performance by mannerisms and facial expression. How many actors can do that? I think one of the reasons this movie appealed to me so much was because it took place in the South, and I've always been fascinated with places like that, but overall I think anyone can enjoy the movie - it has great acting, an excellent story, and some pleasingly creepy moments. But don't expect some blood and guts horror film, this movie builds tension and suspense rather than drench us with blood, it isn't that type of horror film. "The Skeleton Key" is an excellent Southern-Gothic mystery, compelling all the way through. They don't make many of 'em like this. 10/10.

finale. It's a true surprise! Kate Hudson makes for a good female lead, but Gena Rowlands is probably the best of the cast as her shadowy character. Peter Sarsgaard does a nice turn as the family lawyer, while John Hurt makes the most of playing a mute old man.For those seeking a great supernatural thriller, look no further than this terrific hit. It may be one of the best supernatural shockers of 2005!*** out of ****

become more mysterious and intriguing. A few times we're treated to a jolt and a revelation, but what closes the film is bound to ruffle a few feathers.Above all, this is a very good movie, with a script that doesn't cheat anyone and doesn't rely on silly gimmicks. Those factors should portend good tidings for its success in its original release, but it will probably become a classic of its kind. The heroine in distress manages to be smarter than the usual stereotype. She wants to explore the surroundings and solve the problem. The problem is she has no idea how bad the situation might be.Gena Rowlands provides her character with nuances rarely seen in this type of film. She is a strange character and hooks up the audience from the very beginning. There is no really an archetype for what Rowlands brings to life. A few might find the previous statement questionable, but if you look closely to the development of her character, it is almost an original.Kate Hudson makes a very strong impression in this film. She goes beyond the pretty actress to an accomplished performer who matches up to Rowland's intensity. She navigates the film with an ease rarely seen in today's roster of plastic pre-packaged pseudo celebrities. It is refreshing to see an actress make you care for the character that has so often been portrayed as an offensive stereotype. There no gratitude's screaming scenes here. The film reminds me of "The Others", a movie with substance and intelligence.This is a film that I will highly recommend to my friends, particularly because I want to hear what they have to say about that ending.

over the new couples bodies in 1962.

The Ring - the only scary film that really really freaked me out when I first watched it.The story centres around the mystery surrounding the attic containing lots of scary artifacts, and the spooky reasons why the man has had a stroke up there.It also concerns itself with the history of black slavery and Hoodoo - the real practice of harmful black and helpful white magic - in New Orleans.The film does have some of the usual horror film clichés - no light in the room; turning around when someone is behind you - but with a difference.Unlike most scary films, Kate Hudson's character is realistic, and she has a strong believable personality. She goes into the dark attic because she is not scared and wants to have a look; she asks people straight away what is on her mind because she wants to understand what is happening; she takes the initiative and, where as in the usual scary films the pretty girl does exactly what no-one would ever do in real life, she does exactly what a lot of people would feasibly do in the same situation - how refreshing! Just as refreshing is to watch a film in the horror genre that has real substance, and quality acting from all concerned John Hurt and Gena Rowlands are particularly impressive .The twist at the end of this film is as clever as The Sixth Sense, or The Others. And the film is as spooky as The Ring.Nevertheless, The Skeleton Key is not that scary. It was advertised as a 'scary movie' I hate that term; it sounds so bad some how , but personally, I found it to be interesting, clever, well-written, well-acted and really quite compelling - but not very scary.To conclude, although it wasn't the film that I expected it to be, I wasn't disappointed - I was pleasantly surprised. This film was as great as I had hoped, but it is also an intellectual film, and refreshingly different!

been to the Southern USA, but the sets and locations felt very atmospheric. I'm sure to folks from those parts it looked a bit hackneyed, but to a UK viewer it felt mysterious and brooding. Overall, a very enjoyable was to spend an hour and a half. See it in the cinema, as I feel that the pacing and atmosphere could be lost on a small screen in a living room.

this is mythical south and none the worse for that. The mix of influences includes 'Turn of the Screw', 'Rosemary's Baby' 'Burn Witch Burn and a few other classics but that is to give nothing away for it absorbs them into something quite new. My only criticism would be there is something a little confined about the movie--especially at its start-- but its style and pace and excitement utilise this triumphantly by the end.

film story lines but, apart from a few small plot holes, everything here made sense to me. I would say that posters here who say the plot didn't explain itself just need to watch and listen more carefully. I'm delighted to see that some filmmakers can still make a "horror" film that's intelligent, generally scary, and doesn't rely on gore and brutality. A great film.