Movie Review: When A Stranger Calls

When A Stranger Calls (2006) ** (out of 5 asterisks)
Director: Simon West
Starring: Camilla Belle

When a stranger calls... it's simple: DON'T ANSWER! Seriously, that's what Caller ID is for. This remake of a 1979 film was particularly unnecessary -- the original was mediocre at best, and this one is barely an improvement. But it seems to be a Hollywood standard that there must be at least one new teen thriller in theaters every other month, but I get the feeling even teens would find this movie boring and predictable. You could fast-forward to the last 20 minutes and not miss anything, and STILL predict the ending.

This movie puts the "ill" in "thriller" -- besides being boring and predictable, it frequently resorts to thriller/horror cliches of sudden sound effects and music stings in order to create suspense.

I watched this at the dollar theater, and that's what it's worth: a cheap thrill -- perhaps fitting for a cheap date, but not something you'll want to watch at home unless you plan to make out with somebody.

Please take my advice and avoid this "Stranger." Instead, check out "Running Scared" (2006), "The Jacket" (2005) or "The Machinist" (2004) and you can thank me later.