No fish out of water here, except the director

Movie review of "Lady In the Water".
Published on facebook.com, 11th April 2008.

Well, it's not BAD I suppose. Doesn't have the epic "Eureka" moment of The Sixth Sense, that's for sure. But, think along the lines of Pan's Labyrinth or even The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe in terms of kiddy-esque suspension of disbelief and you're on he right track.

Strong screenplay and good performances all round, though the director's cameo I found a little annoying, similar to Tarantino not only relentlessly popping up in the middle of the Grindhouse double bill, but also blatantly copying George Clooney's mannerisms expressed in "From Dusk 'Til Dawn".

Suspense is kept simmering away as the various tenants - and the viewer - try to figure out who has which 'other world' role and the lack of bad language or gore, though not necessarily adult themes, make it innocuous enough for family viewing. Giamatti is, as ever, a real pleasure to watch.