Clive Barker sends AICN his review of THE OTHERS & says, 'the best horror film I've seen in years!'

if its good enough for clive, then its good enough for me!

If for nothing else to see another Nicole Kidman movie. She is the best film actress in the world right now, and after two perfect films (Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge) it sounds like The Others is another winner. Thank God.

I dunno, sounds like a studio plant to me.

With none other than one of the Grand Masters of Horror describing "The Others" as "a masterpiece of subtle horror that caused my genitals to swell with terror, dread, and the need to urinate," Pedro Almodovar's latest kinky horror-comedy classic is set to send chills -- and laughs -- up audience's spines as he has not done since "Matador." Just as he did in this film's prequel, 1972's "The Other," starring Uta Hagen and two very creepy twins with similar Polish-sounding surnames, Almodovar's latest work promises to both horrify and enlighten! I for one will be waiting in line on opening day with Skittles in hand and a pair of Depends wrapped snugly around my privates, to catch the bodily fluids I shall surely emit once I am properly terrified by this masterwork of sheer, uncompromisingly terrifying, terror.

This movie is a musical, right? Seriously, though. If Clive can get spooked, then the average human is in for a night of terror! Or day of terror, depending on when you see this flick.

Seriously I saw it on Wednesday and it is absolutely positively fantastic. A brilliant film and not since "The Innocents" have I been in love with a horror movie. Not gory but just fantastic.

Sweet Jesus! Clive, my brother, you sound like a Stepford Wife. Your review was full of wonderfully descriptive words, but none of them made me want to run out and see this movie. Actually it sounded like you were describing a nice vase or an oriental rug. I, for one, liked Craven's take on the film. Tell me that it's gonna make me jump, tell me my girl's gonna end up on my lap, but don't tell me it's eloquent, visceral, provocative, understated. These are words used to describe fucking paint swatches for the dining room, not a scary flick. Master of horror my ass. Give me Joey Landsdale anyday!

(note: the following analogy only works if you loved 'The Sixth Sense') Remember how nobody expected 'The Sixth Sense' to be any good? The trailer made it look like ass. "It's MERCURY RISING meets THE SHINING!" People went out of curiosity anyway, and not only didn't it suck, it was pretty damn good. But I bet most people brought low expectations to the movie. With 'The Others,' we have Craven and Barker weighing in raving about it...It's overkill. If this isn't the greatest gothic thriller since 'Don't Look Now,' everyone's gonna say it's overrated. We're not being allowed to discover this one for ourselves. We're being hyped, as if a movie needed the imprimatur of Wes Craven and Clive Barker in order for us to see it.

(note: the following analogy only works if you loved 'The Sixth Sense') Remember how nobody expected 'The Sixth Sense' to be any good? The trailer made it look like ass. "It's MERCURY RISING meets THE SHINING!" People went out of curiosity anyway, and not only didn't it suck, it was pretty damn good. But I bet most people brought low expectations to the movie. With 'The Others,' we have Craven and Barker weighing in raving about it...It's overkill. If this isn't the greatest gothic thriller since 'Don't Look Now,' everyone's gonna say it's overrated. We're not being allowed to discover this one for ourselves. We're being hyped, as if a movie needed the imprimatur of Wes Craven and Clive Barker in order for us to see it.

The Others sounds interesting, but I kind of agree that Clive Bark(like-a-dog, heh heh) isn't too hot... And Mr. Guyinthebackrow, what's up, your posting makes no damn sense at all...

And besides that, why didn't Planet of the Apes end with a race of Pinheads (a la Hellraiser) taking over the Earth? It would have been a better ending.

Why does it seem everyone thinks Rosemary's Baby was a classic, tension-filled, horror flick. It's a boring, drawn out excuse for a movie - it's not even remotely scary or creeping (ooooooo...wolf eyes in shadows....sheesh. Now the original Exorcist, that was creepy (even the update was good)...but Rosemary's Baby? Give me a break... Oh, did you ever catch the sequel? BWHAHAHAHAHAHA...

I've NEVER said anything dorky as what I'm about to say right now, but you fanboys are dickheads. When you read glowing reviews for other movies, most of you will holler, "PLANT!!!!" And yet you are blinded by the utter obviousness of a REAL studio plant like the suspect reviews coming in from horror directors like Wes Craven and Clive Barker. Haven't you for a second though the studio behind The Others knew the demographic of a movie like that would be fan-boys and paid nifty sums to Wes and Clive for them to submit reviews on a fansite?

Guyinthebackrow said he wanted to check out how attack of the clones was gonna look when he went to see session 9. Since I've been attempting to abstain from knowing anything about star wars 2 info, I'm outa the loop. So I guess my question is, "is there gonna be a star wars teaser before session 9?" Yes, i know i probably look moronic to most of ya but whateva. Someone help a jew out here.

...to see this flick BUT a lot of people loved Forrest Gump too. I think it's cool Craven and Barker wrote in and I hope it was motivated only by personal reasons. I admire and respect both as faithful practioners and innovators of the horror genre though both have been responsible for more then their share of bombs. I sincerely hope it turns out to be the classic everyone is saying. I don't care what anyone says...the last horror classic was the 6th sense. Oh and Medz, you got balls. I'll give you that.

While I DO plan to see this movie this week-end, the biggest thing I fear right now is my reaction if one more reknowned horror master of any medium appears with a review on this site. HEY HARRY, WHERE THE HELL IS STEPHEN KING? Y'all can discuss back problems together before you post his review. I believe the reasons Craven and Barker "sent" <dictated to secretary/ordered PR specialist to write> their reviews to Harry are a whole heckuva lot more self-serving than might be first apparent. This film has Tom Cruise as an executive producer. If he is not a leading power in H'wood, then Cameron Crowe is a manager of McDonald's in Topeka. By supporting him so publicly, they further their own interests in H'wood <look up ass-kissing and sucky-face in the dictionary, possibly cross referenced with the term networking>. Which brings me to my second <conspiracy> theory that the biggest reason they are supporting this film by working as a two man PR team is that their genre has suffered over the last decade or so. Does anyone here want to commit AICN suicide by claiming to have liked The Haunting? By tendering positive reviews for this film, they increase the chances that their own works will become, once again, more marketable and earn them more money in the process. I am a big fan of BOTH men but have my doubts as to any true generousity of spirit behind these reviews. Maybe I am questioning something I shouldn't, but I can't help but think beyond the obvious in this case, especially when I see SO many articles on the same subject by SO many famous people.____A Bee First In Line This Week-end

Well, I wouldn't like to sit next to you in the cinema, that's for sure. The plot sounds interesting. A bit of "Fall of the House of Usher" in there.

... so much MGM was using that statement as a tagline to promote the movie?

Sure, I'll go see "THE OTHERS" -- I'm happy to hear there's an intelligent film out there this summer -- but where's your review for "SEXY BEAST", Harold?? That's my vote for best film. Instead of seeing "THE OTHERS" again, get your ass to see Ben Kingsley are reptilian evil. I can't believe you haven't seen this yet, Harr....

Straxboy, I mention this not as an excuse to mention that I've seen "The Innocents"... it just irritates me that it isn't more routinely mentioned as one of the greatest horror films ever made... I can't imagine anyone actually thinking that "The Haunting" is a superior film if they've seen both. Not that it's bad, it's a pretty good, flawed movie. But it's like it gets mentioned every time someone is writing about classic horror films as if they're afraid their film school teacher would get upset if they don't. Yeah, yeah, so it was directed by the editor of "Citizen Kane"... Wise, I'm sure, had seen and been influenced by "The Innocents" and he made a film that can't compare. Yet his film gets so much credit from quasi-horror film historians while they ignore the better film.... just another injustice I have to deal with. "Rosemary's Baby", on the other hand, deserves all the credit it gets, even if it is not quite as good as "Repulsion" and "The Tenant"... Polanski mastered the art of expressing paranoia on film... back when he was a great talent and before he was raping thirteen year olds.

Miracle Grow Fertilizer next to Harry's computer? To feed the plants with, stoo-pid!! That's why they're getting bigger and bigger these days.

I want it to be good, I just wanted to remind everybody that she's makes crappy movies about love and 80's sappy songs, love and Tom Cruise bomb vehicles, and being in love with Val Kilmer's Batman. And don't ever get sucked into one of her atsy early Australian movies in hope of seeing her pasty naked ass, it's a big tease.

Don't get me wrong, when I was in high school I thought "The Books of Blood" were the shit. Then I read "Weaveworld", and "The Great and Secret Show", and was left unimpressed. The older I get, the more I realize how jaded I've become. It's not that he ever scared me, far from it, but I used to enjoy his somewhat visceral imagination. Then I got cancer, and nothing has scared me since. No matter what he writes, it will never compare to the bone marrow test, when the Oncologist didn't wait for the pain-killer to take effect. That hurt. I envy the rest of you, you can still experience physical and emotional pain, in a way I'll never be able to. AS for the "review", I'll wait till it's on video.

Guy in the back row was refering to Session 9 as "what AOTC will look like" because it, like the anniversary party, The Polish Brother's latest, chuck and buck, (and a bunch of other recent low budget indie movies) was shot on digital video rather than film. He is also most likely insane as this will give him absolutely no indication as to what AOTC will look like and he believes Caruso "rocks" (or whatever he said.)

You've read this post before, but it's the first time I've bothered to post it. IF EVERYTHING YOU READ HERE IS BULLSHIT, WHY THE FUCK DO YOU BOTHER VISITING THE SITE!?!?! You don't trust the reviews, you don't believe the rumors, you don't like Harry's writing and web design!! So go away already! - Well, I'm not going to say "go out and make your own movie, bitter player hater fanboy" like most people do, because your movies would, most likely, suck hard and there's enough of that about. In conclusion, why is it so hard to believe Clive Barker likes a movie? At the end of the day, he's just a moviegoer like the rest of us. Try, just try! to enjoy the business of show, kids. That's what it's there for.

Ghost Dad is the best ghost story ever. EVER!

Yeah, not enough "good geeks" in the world.

..."Ghost Dad Goes To Nam", "Ghost Dad Finds Love", "Ghost Dad Vs. Ghost Dog"(That was a good one!) "Ghost Dad Meets Frankenstein", "Abbott And Costello Meet the Ghost Dad", "20,000 Ghosts Under the Sea"(A featured cameo by Ghost Dad.), "Ghost Dad Meets the Debutante", "President Ghost Dad", "Ghost Dad Goes To Mars", "Jurassic Ghost Dad", "Ghost Dad And Son", "Ghost Dad Goes West", "Tall In the Saddle With Ghost Dad", "Ice Station Ghost Dad", "Ghost Dad's Nightmare On Elm Street"(With Freddy Kruger cameo.) "Evel Knievel Meets Ghost Dad", "Ghost Dad Goes To Hell", "Even Ghost Dad's Get the Blues", "Ghost Dad Joins the Air Force", "McHale's Navy Meets Ghost Dad", "Ghost Dad In Society", "Ghost Dad Plays Cupid" and my personal favorite of the series, "Ghost Dad Knows Best."

What can I say? I saw it and hated it. I love me a good creepy, atmospheric movie, but in addition to "creepy" and "atmospheric" there also needs to be a "story," and there really isn't one in The Others. I'm not surprised it's getting all these glowing reviews, though, because it has that Super Duper Twist Ending. I'll admit, it surprised the hell out of me too, but an ending like that only works when it comes at the end of something good. The Usual Suspects and The Sixth Sense have Super-Duper Twist Endings too, but they'd still be good without them. Meanwhile, the middle of The Others (and by "the middle" I mean the middle 119 minutes) is full of so much dead weight that it makes Jane Eyre look like a comic book. I sat and watched, and sat, and sat, and sat, and looked at my watch, and sat, and watched, finally I got to the ending, said "heh, cool" and left. If that's your idea of a great moviegoing experience, then The Others deserves your eight bucks.

Meh. Wait for DVD.

Clive, if you're reading this...YOU ARE A LITERARY GOD!! However, film-wise...get someone else to do your stuff. Your black and white silents were great...very atmospheric and quite scary...interesting prequels to The Hellbound Heart in a way. May I also add to Grimace...look, trust me I can relate to what you're talking about...but fuck that post is just a giant fuckin ego boost for you. Yes you're so special, we all cry for you blah blah blah. You are not unique, and when you learn that you will feel a whole lot better, my friend.

tone it down a bit and not be so inclusive in your rants. I have my suspicions about these reviews but I did take care to point out that I will see the movie ON OPENING WEEKEND. If you must include those of us who posted regarding our doubts on the validity of these reviews in your tb, then I opt to include you with every hateful tb'er I have ever despised if you continue in this manner. This site is about opinions. "I" like Harry's tales and I like the fact that we can all contribute to a tb and I even "like" the fact that you are allowed to say what you wish. I do not like the fact that you include me and other open-minded individuals in your rants about the tb's. If I have done something, other than call you out in this post, to offend you...then speak TO me, not about me. I, personally, was not saying that I do not think Barker and Craven did not enjoy this film, I AM saying that 2 reviews in such a short amount of time by 2 well-known contributers to the same genre (which HAS been in a decline lately) has to be suspect. MAYBE, just maybe they did both enjoy the movie. That is all well and fine, but, I will guarantee that they have seen other movies in the past and they have not bothered to post reviews on those. The more I think about it, the more I think personal gain (in the long run) was the primary objective behind their participation on this site.____A Bee That WILL Give Her Own Opinion And Expect It To Stand Alone

First, there's my debut film AMERICAN ALEISTIR. I gotta get around to writing the script and meeting Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Ewen McGregor and Fairuza Balk and convincing them to star in it, and find someone to give me the money and tell me how to make a film. Then, my adaption of the Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons comic book THE WATCHMEN is dead in the water because someone else has the rights. I've got Sleazy G. and Jon Quixote lined up to write the script, but I think I'll just use the Coppola method and make it up as I go along. It would help if the producer who owned the rights would hire me but so far no one realizes what a bargain I am for one million dollars, a Purdey shotgun and a Suburban crammed with Cohibas. Then, there's my ultra-low budget idie flick MARIONETTE that is stalled due to the fact that it's not going anywhere.

'cause i know that no matter how hard you're cracking it over me, steve carr is suffering more...

If you haven't had a chance, see if you can pick up "Thesis" (Tesis) on video or DVD, it's one of Amenabar first films and it's utterly creepy and terrifying. It tells the story of a PhD film student who finds a snuff tape on her college. It scared the hell out of me. F

I wish more reviews were like this. No filler. No spoilers and no bullshit. Clive Barker and Wes Craven both wrote good reviews without giving anything away. A lot of reviews are just plot synopsises. Read and learn. Read and learn.

Speaking of Barker, when is the uncut version of NIGHTBREED going to see the light of day? Will we see a DVD release soon? Come on, Clive. Give us the goods!

I can't wait to see this now. With both Barker and Craven giving it a glowing review, maybe this summer won't be a total waste after all.

I personally cannot wait for this movie. I have been excited about this movie ever since I first saw the intriguing trailer during "Moulin Rogue." However, I just would like to know how Harry validates the fact that Clive Barker actually wrote in this review. I would like to believe it, but I wish Harry would let us in on how has confirmed it. Anyway, like I said, I am definitely going to see this movie. Besides, Harry has said it was incredible and he has been on target with the reviews this summer, so I wil definitely trust the man (though I must admit, my opinion on PLanet of the Apes differed from his. I thought it was amazing.) So Harry, if you could answer my question. How do you confirm that it is truly Clive "horror master" Barker sending in his two cents?

Let's see... so far we've had 1) someone say that Nicole (notice the lack of an 'h') Kidman has never made a good film, when her last two were Eyes Wide Shut and Moulin Rouge (not to mention Dead Calm); 2) people blather on about 'plants' when talking about Clive bloody Barker, who of course has nothing better to do with his time than help support other people's movies to suck up to Tom Cruise and/or collect some pocket change; 3) diss the original Haunting (and no, the Innocents is NOT a better film. Don't Look Now I'll give you, but not the Innocents. Everyone is of course entitled to their own opinion, except when that opinion is wrong.) If all you've got to offer is cynicism, then I pity you, I really do. You should probably just go home and keeping waiting for Freddy vs. Jason.

I mean, why else would the greatest gay horror creator since King enjoy torture images so much. I bet he has rings in his back like that guy in The Cell. Now that's an image.

Whoever SierraMountain is, he or she has no right calling Clive Barker a whore unless the person has facts to back it up. I

I heard an audio streamed interview with Clive for the LA festival of books for last year, I think, in which he said that Anchor Bay was trying to get into the film vaults at Fox to locate and reconstruct the missing minutes from the film. I dunno how that's been going. Ah well... later

Q: Why do most of the decent horror flicks (Others, 6th Sense, Blair Witch, Session 9) have little or no CGI? A: Because in most cases CGI licks the breading from deep-fried monkey testicles. Deep-fried DISEASED monkey testicles. Oh yeah, "Nightbreed" can stay on the shelf where it belongs. Sorry, but that movie was just plain A-A-A-W-W-FFUL. The only decent Barker flick is "Candyman."

I'm so starved for a truly good horror flick that I was already sold on this movie. But nooooo... then Clive has to chime in. Now I'm wondering if I can blow off my date to see it tomorrow, get out of work right now, and go see it. ...I wonder if that secret passage behind the file cabinet still works, the one that lets me into Malkovich...

I suppose I could be a child and get all worked up because you don't agree with me about "The Innocents" and "The Haunting", but you gave props to "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Don't Look Now" (though I can't believe you'd mention it with "The Haunting"), so I won't rip on you. BTW, I know you haven't seen a widescreen copy of "The Innocents". As long as we're pretending that opinions are facts, I suggest you recheck your facts, because, simply, there's no way someone who liked "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Don't Look Now" could think "The Haunting" was better than "The Innocents" (unless they were recovering from some kind of personal trauma when they watched one or both). These are the facts, sir. Ha ha, ho ho.

If you live in a bigger city that's showing The Deep End this weekend, I'd suggest that movie first over The Others. The Others IS really creepy and very solid; I think the reviews Clive Barker and Wes Craven are going a little overboard, however. Anybody going into seeing The Others after reading these reviews will be disappointed.

Wes craven and Clive Barker are right on the money. The performances were compelling, the writing incredible and the suspense was amazing. If you saw the Changeling and enjoyed that kind of film, you're sure to enjoy THE OTHERS. It's got an amazing ending I didn't see coming and I was just amazed at what they did with this film. It's the best film I've seen this summer, without a doubt. If you keep an eye on this one, I can guarantee you it will come up at Oscar time. I definate must see movie. I reccommend it.

I saw The Others a few weeks ago at a Press screening and it is one of the few movies I've seen this year that has really stayed with me. I still think about it. It is haunting and it is really well done. I am going to see it tommorrow and probably again after that at. If there is any justice, The Others will gross more than the Sixth Sense did, because it's better and smarter...and it doesn't have that retarded kid in it.

First of all, it wasn't inteded as a personal attack on you per se. You make valid points and you're certainly entitled to your opinion. However, when I was poking around this site last night there was nothing but negativity EVERYWHERE. No matter what the topic, no matter what the movie, rumor, etc. Lots and lots and lots of negativity. So, I blew a gasket and got sucked into the negative vibe. It just happened by chance to happen in this talkback rather than the others (no pun intended). Like most people here I am a movie junkie and love news/rumors/reviews BECAUSE I LOVE SHOW BUSINESS. And, my little outburst last night notwithstanding, I try to have fun with it. People here do not seem to be having any fun. My post last night was the equivalent of throwing up my hands and shouting "what is wrong with everybody?!" But by doing it in the manner in which I did it, I became just as bad as everyone else.

It's A-M-E-N-A-B-A-R, not A-L-M-O-D-O-V-A-R. They're both spaniards, but they're different people. Amenabar makes horror films, Almodovar comedy and drama. Anyway I've got the feeling The Others is going to be a nominee next year.

H-Bee, it

...then I might go and see it.Barker's one of my favorite writers so his endorsement has put this movie on my 'to watch' radar.Frankly,I didn't give a s*** about this movie before since from watching the trailer it looked like yet another downright horror hackjob by an exploitative Hollywood studio. Oh well.....(scrunches eyes shut)...there goes my 8 bucks. This better be good,Clive.

Check your facts. No where in my post(s) did I state that Barker or Craven might have been "paid" to write these reviews and send them to aicn. No where. I DID state that I felt it may have been due to a personal interest in the success of The Others which would greatly affect the chances of their next works reaching a wider audience, translating into increased future profits for both. I did NOT say that I think The Others will be a bad movie or that Barker and Craven are exaggerating the quality of the film. I DID say that the support by these two in a public movie forum could be viewed as self-serving. I plan to see the movie tonight and I do NOT go to the theater for just ANY movie. I am NOT a lemming and will not follow everyone over the cliff for no good reason.____I'm just curious, journalist, how many retractions do you have to write after submitting stories for publication?____A Controversial <again> Bee

I used the title of The Haunting in an above post and just wish to say that I was referring to the 1999 remake, not the 1963 classic. I should have been more clear in my statement.____Bee

And YOU obviously haven't seen (heard) the Haunting with a quality sound system. Plus it's got the whole hot lesbian thing going for it. Mmm, Claire Bloom...

I would love to see what the President thinks of other films. I know what Jenna thinks of THE OTHERS--nothing, 'cause she was busy with the dry heaves in the lady's room. She and Barbara the II smuggle those little pre-mixed cans of cocktails into the multi-plexes.

H-Bee, I didn

And putting her own foot in her own mouth is what Second-Rate-Journalist has done. Seizing upon one out of multiple meanings of an opponent's word ("work") and then calling the opponent a "liar" based on it is simply a cheap bush-league debate tactic that is unworthy of any true, ahem, Journalist. That is why I call you Second-Rate-Journalist. See, I'm "attacking" you in addition to your piss-poor arguments, just as you did to Huneybee and just as you accused her of doing. Hey, Second-Rate-Journalist, I went to the gym the other day, and I "worked" on my cardiovascular development. Does that force the conclusion that I got "paid" for it? Yeah, you are a great Journalist and have a brilliant mind for logic and debate. Ha ha.

Ha ha ha

To the heads of Miramax, Fox, WB, and other studios... I would humbly like to submit my application for a position in your newly created "PLANT" departments. I type 60 words per minute and am fluent in use of the internet. I realize that your "plant" departments are not publicly acknowledged, but I'm sure the deparments must be simply HUGE due to the fact that in every talkback thread someone is pointed out as a plant. I thank you for your kind consideration.

I saw it today. Try and watch it when there aren't gonna be too many other people around because little things like the terrible sound of greasy hands rumaging through an endless bucket of popcorn can be rather tedious against the films patient, quiet sound design. Still I found the film captivating enough that eventually I tuned it out (or maybe the popcorn really did run out). Both Amenabar's direction and the cinematography are some of the best work out of a Hollywood production in sometime. The movie is so filled with deliciously tangible moments of thick gothic atmoshpere that it didn't bother me one bit that the story wasn't anything new. All that matters is that it was expertly told. The acting is also good all around. It leaves me wanting to see it again, and my initial feeling is that it will hold up strong to repeated viewings.

Just saw this damn movie. I have been hankering for a decent horror movie for over a decade now, and the accolades that august artists such as Clive Barker bestowed upon "The others" persuaded me that my wait was over. Was I wrong! This movie is a rip-off, plain and simple. It was not scary, only filled with cheap carnival scare tactics. I pegged the ending five minutes into the damn film. Please see "Rush Hour 2" (which I should have seen) instead of this offensive offal.

the dictionary, that is... Now that I see where a portion of the reliable, objective news is originating from in DC, I have a new gratitude for my almost total lack of interest in the news media. I've never seen the West Wing, though I have heard it is considered entertaining. I find YOU quite amusing, should I also watch The West Wing?____Why would I bother to look up the word "working" when I have you to so graciously do it for me. One might say that I made you "work" for it or that you "worked" yourself into a lather or that you "work" at being an agressive, uncompromising, arrogant asshole who in incapable of admitting when he/she is incorrect. Please note that I have not once picked up the dictionary in order to define a word nor does this tb have spell check. Not too shabby for someone who doesn't cover Congress, huh? You verbally attacked my integrity and when I rationally pointed out your error and gross lack of judgement, you screech that I am backtracking. No, I'm not. I did offer you the truth based upon facts from my original post(s) but you take one simple sentence and attempt to twist it around until it meets your needs. NOW I will pick up MY dictionary...ah, yes..."Work" has 12 definitions when used as a noun, 2 possible interpretations as an adjective, and 19 definitions when utilized as a verb. I bet you really had to "work" at this misguided effort. May I point out that you may be more productive in your chosen career field if you would put down the dictionary and use your time to listen to what is said.____A Bee Laughing AT You, Not WITH You

I am sure this movie will be good for what it is...but don't Clive Barker and Wes Craven have better things to do then write some fan site? I doubt whether this really happened. From now on...I want to see scans of the actual correspondence with signatures. My God...there's no proof whatsoever that CB wrote you Harry. Why the hell should/would he?

Next you'll be telling me Meet John Doe is better than A Face in the Crowd, or the Hunger is better than Daughters of Darkness. But I digress. Is anyone else disturbed by the fact that 82% of the critics reviewing the Others seem to think that the Sixth Sense was actually scary? I mean, how low does your threshold of terror have to be to be spooked by that? I fear for the entertainment pseudo-journalists of this nation. Oh, and HuneyBee- you go, girlfriend! Kick that skinny Washington butt!

to Mr. Barker. Kling... Thank you!

I saw The Others today, and it is yet another in the seemingly endless string of summer disappointments, as if A.I. and Planet of the Apes weren't big enough letdowns. This movie is such a blatant ripoff of The Sixth Sense. The ending is not shocking, I predicted it before the movie even began, and anyone with half a brain could see it coming about five minutes into the movie. No cliche is left unturned here. Nicole Kidman is extremely irritating. I did like the acting by the two children, and I liked the character of Mr.Tuttle and the other servant - Mrs.Trill or something, can't remember the name. But the movie is boooring, and takes way too long to set-up the aforementioned not shocking ending. In between, we get scene after scene of Kidman gasping as if she is in the throes of the world's mightiest orgasm, doors slamming, chandeliers shaking, and that shrieking violin music always in the background, a la Friday the 13th. Forget the positive reviews, people were walking out of this one where I saw it (teenagers mostly- I guess they decided to sneak into American Pie 2- maybe I should have joined them). Hopefully LOTR and Harry Potter wash away the stench of this vile summer, but be warned, The Others is a crappy film. Think Sixth Sense set on the Moors, only not nearly as good.

"The Others are going to be scaring up some Oscars!" and "Nicole, please leave some Oscars for the Others!" GIGIGIGI!!!!!

First to Grimace - haven't you read "Imajica"??? Only one of the most imaginative (sic), complex works of horror fantasy I've ever read, and I usually do not like horror - if you have any attention span at all give it a try... And to "Fock..." person - Hell-OOO!! Clive Barker is only one of the best horror writers around - he brings a finesse and poetry to the genre - again, I don't usually like horror and I am not an expert, but I have re-read "Imajica" several times and I put it up there with other great novels of any genre, like "Atlas Shrugged" and "Dune" - he creates a world unlike any other... not sure I wuld want to live there but it's fun to visit. Clive, I hope you read this!! (And are not just here plugging films...)

to go RIGHT NOW! The last screening tonight is at 9:30 tonight and that is only 45 minutes away. I couldn't make up my mind if I should go tonight or earlier tomorrow...THANKS!____A Bee Headed Out The Door!!!!!!!Wheeeeee

5150 Bytmee St., Upyours, CA 90210. Next time you're in congress, say hello to Gary Condit for us.

Clive,Clive,Clive Make a movie will ya buddy. And oh yeah I would like to finish "THE ART TRILOGY" Before im dead. The first book came out in 1989 the second around 95? Third? And to the guy who hated nightbreed but liked candyman?? OKAY MY THOUGHTS ON THE OTHERS. - The Other(same director? SEE ALSO - Haunted (this is that film) - The inoccents - The Changling - A book called "Manhattan Ghost story" also clearly bits were borrowed from this novel by many folks as of late. Me and my girlfriend have just completed a marathon of film rentals this sommer all relating to ghost films with"twist" endings So going in to the movie the first thing we thing of is okay "wheres the twist" We figured out the first twist soon after the film started.The last one was a suprise but not by much. The point is the story (or should i say the trend) these days is to stucture a film like this around its big twist everything leading up to the end was just not that hot. The dialog and mood at times was almost like a spoof of gothic films complete with a DARK SHADOWS soundtrack. It was not bad if only to give me my ghost fix for the summer. Folks SEE Haunted.

The sixth sense is a rip off of Manhattan Ghost Story. End of Story. And YES IMAJICA is one of the best Fantasy Epics of at least the 90s if not the last 20 years. Weaveworld coming in very close second. well I keep changing my mind about that. Hey clive take a lesson from lord of the rings.MAKE A FANTASY FILM. Blood and gore is played out.

Yeah all of you. Your all a bunch of film nerds who sit and watch films and do nothing! The only time you get to act like your tough is when your hid behind your computer slagging off everyone who ISN'T in front of you! Its true, am I right? Am I right? How do I know? Cos I'm the same! We rule! BUT BUT BUT! I don't slag EVERYTHING OFF (except for the EP2 title)(don't get me started!) and I don't see everything as a LIE! Why can't Clive and Wes REALLY like a film? Have you never seen a film you've liked so much you wanna write about it and tell the whole world? But the difference is that these guys have done soemthing with their lives in the medium of their choices and their views are interesting. Unlike most of talkbackers little whiny voices

Don't read this if you haven't seen "The Others".... not that you poor souls haven't already had the film ruined by the fools who keep trying to compare it to a certain movie from a couple years back by a certain director of South Asian decent without a spoiler warning. It's not just people in this talkback... movie reviewers keep making the same comparisons... if you've seen "The Others" you know what I'm talking about (and you shouldn't be reading this if you haven't, fool!). This comparison is a freekin spoiler, plain and simple. Now I must dispell the illusion that these people seem to have that that movie by the South Asian director with a ridiculous screen name ("NIGHT"?!?!?! Give me a break boy!) invented a certain sort of plot twist, when in fact this is not the case. Perhaps Mr. Night hadn't seen a certain low budget cult classic from the early sixties, and I'll be vague, but its initials are CoS and it was made by a guy whose initials are HH and you shouldn't try and figure out what it is I'm talking about if you don't immediately know what I'm talking about because it's a SPOILER. But let me tell you that that film had a twist that resembles to a uncanny degree the twist in question. So let's let these twists co-exist in peace and stop making silly accusations of one film ripping off another when all three films, for all their superficial similarities, are quite different in tone and mood. And "The Others" is better than the movie from a couple of years back (though that one was pretty decent itself), and everyone should see the film from the sixties, which I kept forgetting to mention with "The Innocents" as one of the finest examples of old fashioned gothic horror.

Hell man, I don't recall.. it's been a few years since I saw it. I'd watch "The Haunting" again but, like "The Innocents", the only widescreen version is on laserdisc. But lesbians won't make me like it better than "The Innocents".

Just saw it today. God this movie was way overhyped. Same "Shocker" ending as sixth sense the lead chararcter is a ghost, wow i saw this movie 2 years ago and it was way better then. Not scary at all not interesting at all.

"SPOILER ALERT" I think if this had beat the Sixth Sense to the theater this would have become a classic, but who knows it still may. IMHO this is better than the Sixth Sense, but then again the Sixth Sense was a little boring to me. Judgeing from the trailers I wouldn't have seen this movie, and to Harry this is the only movie in history that I didn't think it would be about nothing, but after reading your review, and Barker's you guys actually changed my mind, and it was worth it. I have to agree with CRM114 it was a story where all the elements had been seen before, but it was extremly well told, and why I give props to the screenwriter, because it's hard to impress us when it's something we've already seen, and this movie has those elements in spades. The acting was great, and yes the children were so far from being intolerable it wasn't even funny. Most of the flick I figured out, because critics and others were comparing it to the sixth sense, Damn they shouldn't even had mentioned that movie, it would have made this a whole lot better. I honestly didn't expect Nicole and the kids to be dead, and not because I didn't think that, but I thought it would be a liitle to cliched, but it still surprised me and I didn't hate it. This is one of the few, and I do mean few bright spots of the summer.

True terror in film (ok on digital video) will rign when I finish and release my movie project! Fuck fanboys! This will be true horror..."Las VEgas Vampire Hookers" to be followed by "Cannibal Cheerleaders" will scare you all into submission! Bow to me fanboys! OK, dramatic fuckshit over, I now return you to your regular bullshit, whining, bitching, fanboy drivel...

She didn't have this much movies before, that's why. Gosh! I just saw it today and it was a shameless ripoff of The Sixth Sense. Don't go telling me they are different and try forget that they are nothing but. It's so pretty easy to figure it out from the beginning, after which.. it is sooooo slllooooowwwwwwww. Guys, don't buy into this, IT IS PRETTY BORING. Don't tell me I didn't warn you. (however, this movie could work on you if you belong to the 1% of the world's moviegoing population who haven't seen The Sixth Sense.

It's obviously too late for spoiler warnings but here it is anyway... CRM114 is right. "The Sixth Sense" didn't invent that plot twist. Of course for a generation that grew up frying their brains MTV and Nintendo, I suppose there is no hope. You know these people... they think that because "The Matrix" is the first movie they've seen with wire-fu, "The Matrix" must have invented "wire-fu", so therefore, their puny minds then reach the logic that "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" ripped off "The Matrix". We see the same thing with this stupid "The Others" and "The Sixth Sense" debate. They have never seen a movie made before 1977 and they don't remember any movies that they've seen longer than six months ago, and they are cynical just because they think Kevin Smith wants them to be. I bet they think that "Apocalypse Now Redux" is a rip-off of "Pearl Harbor". Let me spell it out for you... "The Others" did not rip off "The Sixth Sense". They both ripped off "Carnival of Souls". And I'm not talking about the remake.

i found this movie better than a lot of the horror crap in the last few years. this is an old school gothic creepy fucking movie. acting is awesome, story is ok but very well told. i didn't find it predictable. the pace is not slow if you can appreciate a well made movie in all aspects...i though it was well worth my money because i was entertained. it didn't suck at all. big fucking wow if you figured out the ending-its still fun to watch. shit i'll see it again

... Carnival of Souls ripped off Twilight Zone. Check out the episode called "The Hitch-Hiker," from 1960. And I'd be willing to bet there were several stories somewhere in some form that pre-dated that one. Like, oh, say, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" - which, ironically, was adapted into a short film and shown as a TZ episode. In short, forget about the "twist" itself. It's the way the story's told that matters. And The Others is told beautifully.

So, to recap: Twilight Zone -> Carnival of Souls -> Jacob's Ladder -> The Sixth Sense -> The Others.

I was trying not to mention "Carnival of Souls" in case someone hadn't seen it yet... oh well. One thing I did like about "The Sixth Sense" over "The Others" was the way the twist was revealed. In "The Sixth Sense" it was shown to us, not explained. In "The Others" it was shown to us and then explained. In "The Fight Club" it was just explained. There's too many damn explanations in these sorts of movies.

I saw a Sunday 7:50pm showing in the valley tonight (the 6pm show was sold out and the 7:20 show was almost sold out) with the same kind of kids. Yeah, they were a little restless at first but that door jolt scene did the trick. They were hooked for the rest of the film. I LOVED this movie. Not because it was better than the movies mentioned like THE INNOCENTS or the original THE HAUNTING (it isn't) but because it came out during the absolute worse summer of crap (except for SHREK) that I've ever seen. Here was a film that paid attention to nuance and character and understood how to layer a story. To make you hunger to learn more and follow the ... mystery. It had a real, honest to goodness, well conceived STORY that hinged on logic, not flights of shove-everything-AND-the-kitchen-sink-in-their-face so some director can "feel" the movie (while making the studio giddy over selling a zillion toys). It had craft that showed off its authentic style and atmosphere over the plastic, stamped-out, derivative and commercial mess that passes for such today. This wonder of old fashioned entertainment actually assumed the audience had a, ... dare it be mentioned aloud in an age of talking apes? A working intelligence. The movie engaged the audience with a willingness to believe in the fantasy without resorting to silly overblown CGI effects or the latest in latex and hair appliances. At last a sure hand has DIRECTED a movie, not as a video game or a music video extension, but as a M-O-V-I-E. And the actors responded wonderfully! The acting was amazing by all the cast members. Jeez, they even pulled a Betty Davis; a movie with a female star that holds the screen for almost every frame of the picture. Without getting naked or wearing a bikini! (Sure, I'd have loved to have seen Nicole bear it all but I was very happy with the cleavage and sexy outfits she showered over me in MOULIN ROUGE) If you love classic horror. Do yourself a favor. Go see this film. No, it's not the greatest supernatural thriller you've ever seen but I swear it's close. And it's the closest thing of the genre that you're going to see in a theater today, blown up big on a screen with an audience that jumps in their seats. Don't miss a chance to feel and see that sort of excitement. Finally, I love this movie for giving me hope. Hope that more film makers like Alejandro Amenabar will keep working to make films that challenge human emotions over the marketing surveys and decrees of soulless uneducated buffoons like the people running the studios today.

I can't believe the lack of TalkBack reviews on The Others, or maybe I'm just not reading far enough? I was really excited to see this movie and I walked out feeling let down by the ending. Then, as I talked about it with the people I went with, I liked it more and more. But admittedly, from the beginning, you know there's going to be a twist. I suppose this is thanks to The Sixth Sense. So you watch the whole film thinking of TSS and when the ending comes, it's not all that surprising, except that it's alot more gruesome. It's a well done movie though--it has the cold, oppressive feel of any classic Gothic film/book, complete with fog and heavy candlesticks. My only problem is that I did keep comparing the story to The Sixth Sense and I still feel that upon further inspection, the ending is not as solid as it could be, mainly because your left wondering about things that happen for no apparent reason *other* than to throw you off guard. I would love to go into more detail, but don't want to spoil anything. If anyone feels like discussing it off the board, you can e-mail me. By the way, did anyone else feel they dyed the little boy's hair black to make him look more pale?

Hey eraser, H-Bee wrote Clive Barker was "working as a two man PR team" (as in employed). What part of that can't you understand. Both H-Bee and others who claim, without supporting facts, that Barker was prostituting his name in support of "The Others" are fools (just as you are). No eraser, you can't have a copy of my Congressional press card. Get out from behind the McDonalds counter and earn your own (however, I doubt that will ever occur).

if I do my job well. What the heck is wrong with working at MacDonald's? It is an honorable job. Jeez, not only are you deficient in the art of critical thinking and precise expression (not to mention dictionary comprehension), you are a snob, too. A MacDonald's worker with a smile can bring much more happiness to people than a journalist who happens to be snobbish and incapable of logic. Anyhow, a person need be not defined by his or her job, as you seem to think. "Journalist" is such a lame moniker. And to hang your pride on your "Congressional" press card is less than pathetic. How small must your horizon be, and your circle of acquaintences, if you think people will be impressed with your press card.

Let's see if you're a small enough person to take that opportunity.

H-Bee, you are correct when you say I

Eraser, I am proud and delighted to use every opportunity available to point out what a fool and loser you are. Nonetheless, I think it

I respectfully suggest that you get a life, "Journalist." Anybody here want to talk about the movie?

So let it lie there. Sheesh.

Sorry, don't want to assume, here.

Oh my goodness, give me a minute please. You

It is 0448 here and I just posted my response to journalist's last attempt at being witty. WOW! Y'all hold on while I go back and read all that, ya hear?!

Mr. Acamp, I point out that my first posting regarding H-Bee

acamp, you are correct. I did use the word theory, and meant it. A healthy dose of skeptism is just that in today's world, healthy.____Eraser, I am laughing like hell. I did NOT bring up the fact that I would be PROUD to work with you at any McDonald's if the alternative was to be "The Journalist" (but I DMAN SURE WAS THINKING IT!). Surely his/her name must be spoken of in those terms from now until eternity. After all, "The Journalist" has a press pass for Congress and knows what The West Wing (unsure if I should use quotation marks there) is all about. I think I'll go to webmd.com and see if they have an email service. If so, I'll sign up and call myself "The Doctor".____A Tickled Pink Bee (or ANY color as long as it is not YELLOW!!)

Hugs and kisses all around. Feel the love.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

acamp, shame on you! You forgot to use quotation marks and capitolize <pun intended>. Beware, or you may be in the position of having to pass Eraser and myself the salt. ;)____I am basing my "He/She" (I am a she-small letters, no quotation marks, btw) is just looking for a fight remark on the FACT (pesky, pesky word) that "The Journalist" posted about half way up the talkback in an inflammatory manner without getting personal with anyone. When no one cared enough to respond, "The Journalist" chose me, in the midst of several who opted not to be so objective and call it a theory, to call by tb name and accuse.____A, "Damn How Do I get That Grease Out Of My Uniform" Bee

Since H-Bee, eraser and acamp are typical of the result, isn

----- Original Message ----- From: "Eraser X" <eraser_x@hotmail.com> To: <iwp@iwpnews.com>; <postmaster@iwpnews.com>; <root@iwpnews.com>; <iwp@sprintmail.com>; <iepa@iwpnews.com>; <energywashington@iwpnews.com> Sent: Monday, August 13, 2001 7:31 AM Subject: Your user jj.smith@iwpnews.com is abusive on Chat sites Dear Sir or Madam: I regret to inform you that a person affiliated with your organization (email jj.smith@iwpnews.com) is being abusive on a chat board on the Internet. In particular, this jj.smith person is using profanity ("biggest asshole") against a female chatter. Please note that the chat postings by jj.smith are extremely unlikely be forgeries because the *only* way that someone can register for the chat service and post articles under jj.smith@iwpnews.com is by *receiving* a password by email at jj.smith@iwpnews.com . The link for the so-far most offensive article I've seen by jj.smith is: http://www.aintitcool.com/tb_display.cgi?id=9817#330223 However, you should be able to scroll up and down and search for the word "journalist", which is jj.smith's moniker, to read other articles that are also abusive in various ways and that also do not reflect well on your organization. In case jj.smith's articles have been erased by the chat board moderator (abusive articles sometimes get removed), I enclose a true copy of just the most abusive (so far) article. Again, there are other abusive articles by jj.smith besides the one I'm copying below. Please consider this an anonymous email, because I don't want jj.smith to start stalking me or anything. Sincerely, eraser_x (quoted article below) --- begin quoted article --- From: journalist <jj.smith@iwpnews.com> Subject: H-Bee is a liar [...text here deleted was not deleted as sent to iwpnews.com...] makes you the biggest asshole [...] --- end quoted article ---

decompensation...and just when things were getting interesting <Dueling Banjoes begins in background with single banjo>...what about Anton Sirius and Buzz Maverik? Do they get to be inbreds, too? <Introduce second banjo> Give it time, "The Journalist"! I'm sure your fan club could eventually expand to the point that your ego would be dwarfed. <Banjoes duel> Since we have already ventured into the realm of ludicrousness, did you hear the one about "The Journalist" and the press card? <Banjoes play in harmony>. The end____Bee

for ratting out journalist. i do feel bad, and i hope nothing drastic happens to him or his job. however, a journalist of all people really should stand behind his words, and weather the consequences stoically. as dusty baker said, i never demote ("bench") anyone, i just tell them that they've demoted themselves.