Review of Stir of Echoes (1999) by Scott D — 23 May 2011

The biggest problem with Stir of Echoes was As we all know the fact that it was released at the same time as The Sixth Sense and the subject matter is coincidentaly very simular. The Sixth Sense overshadowed Stir of Echoes with a larger marketing campaign and larger overall budget.This film is not quite as good as the Bruce Willis classic because I dont think the twist is quite as dramatic. The thing that compares favorably to The Sixth Sense is that Stir Of Echoes is thoroughly entertaining throughout, even if the Trailer sets a much spookier tone then the actual film gives out.

The film is shot in a sober and down-to-earth way, giving it a serious tone. Plot wise, the movie is also more than decent, with only a few small plot holes which will only bother the most scrutinized of viewers. Kevin Bacon Stars as a father who is hypnotized by his sister in law, which results in the opening of his mind to the spirit of a girl who was murdered in his house. His son already had the powers to speak to dead people and together they try to solve why the girl keeps contacting them.

The acting is more than adequate. Kevin Bacon is right at home in his role of a somewhat bitter individual who undergoes heavy changes throughout the film. He does a great job, as do the other actors, especially The young boy ( Zachary David Cope) who is absolutely brilliant in the role. Kathryn Erbe, known for her Law and Order:Criminal Intent role, is very convincing and very cute as a mother trying to make sense of all this. Illeana Douglas was mostly annoying, which is what I feel she was shooting for. I would have liked some more interaction amongst the main characters taking her to task for what she did.

Overall, the movie falls just short of a really great supernatural thriller. I found the quality and depth of the story to be good, but not quite as good as it could've been. even still, I recommend this film to fans of thrillers and suspense.