Movie Review: Mothman Prophecies

Story: Based on some events that took place in the 60's (if I remember correctively there were a lot of hallucinatory drugs around during that era) and adapted from the 1975 book by John A. Keel this film has a lot of atmosphere and very little substance. If you are an X-Files fan you will probably like this bizarre plot about voices, prophecies, visions, possible extra terrestrials or extra-dimensional beings. Director Mark Pellington (Arlington Road) knows how to do spooky without a lot of blood. He is able to manipulate our fears masterfully. It is not a very good film and yet I was very engaged and yes, entertained. Go figure!

Acting: Richard Gere is close to the top of my least favorite actors (Bruce Willis is the very top). He is not good - ever. However, Laura Linney is close to the top of my favorite actresses list. So there was an interesting mix here. She gave him a bit of class. Alan Bates gets a mention here because I like him.

Critters: A large moth

Food: Half eaten diner food.

Visual Art: Interesting sketches of the mothman.

Blatant Product Placement: Marriott Hotel

Soundtrack: A major player in this film. Very spooky stuff!

Opening Titles: Unimpressive.

Theater Audience: Small groups of teenagers. We were worried that they would talk during the film but it turned out they smooched for most of the film so they did not bother us nor make any noise.

Sappy Factor: 0 - but there was a certain amount of creepiness.

Quirky Meter: 2

Squirm Scale: Actual icky stuff was not shown.

Predictability Level: I am still not sure what happened so I guess it would fall in the unpredictable category.

Oscar Worthy: NO!

Nit Picking: The relationship that seemed to develop between Gere and Linney probably ended up on the cutting room floor...so it was a bit murky how they became involved. But then again -- the plot was murky too.

Big Screen or Rental: Neither. However, for some good Laura Linney films you could rent You Can Count on Me and The Truman Show. Do not rent Congo. For some good Richard Gere films you could rent... (I know there must be one, oh yes...) An Officer and a Gentleman and An American Gigolo.

Length: A bit under two hours.

LOBO HOWLS: 5