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Finally, a horror movie that uses good, old-fashioned, dare I say Hitchcock-like effects to make us cover our eyes. So many horror movies these days are full of excessive blood and guts, but "The Strangers" is a movie that, while containing the appropriate level of gore, primarily lets our imagination run and our anticipation frighten us.

I give this movie a Birdie.

The movie is supposedly based on a true story, but usually the only true aspect of such movies is that somewhere someone was murdered. So, how true to life this story is told is anyone's guess. Still, the film plays with a grounded realism.

It has the feel of a good Hitchcock film in the way it primarily all takes place in one location, as did "Dial M for Murder" or "Rear Window" or "Rope." Some of the devices used to create suspense and tension are also reminiscent of the master. The asthmatic breathing of the killer or the soft tapping of footsteps down the hallway, even the effective use of music to confuse our senses.

Liv Tyler gets most of the face time in this one and she does a commendable job. Her co-star, Scott Speedman also plays his role well. I hate to mention old Hitch again, but the actors in this one are given some emotional scenes that provide an undercurrent throughout the movie, something that always seemed to be part of Hitchcock's movies. More that just two victims in trouble, they have something going on in their lives that draws us closer to them, making us fear for them a little more.

Bryan Bertino did a great job considering it was his debut as a director. Some critics seem to think the ending was disappointing or that the story loses its momentum or that the characters do things that real people wouldn't do. I completely disagree with those sentiments. I felt the characters actions were realistic. I felt the entire chain of events were chillingly real and felt like they could have easily taken place in real life.

What makes any good horror movie frightening is the sense that the things happening in the film could easily happen to you. That is where this film is a great success. After seeing this movie, you would think twice about ever letting anyone even know you are home, let alone open the door to a stranger.

I wouldn't put this movie up with the best thrillers of all time, and if I had to choose this or a Hitchcock classic, I would choose the latter. Still, if you are looking for a good scare, "The Strangers" plays out truthful, honest and yes, very scary. The lights won't be able to come on fast enough when the credits start rolling.

Learn more about this author, Jeremy Peters.
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