It's usually a good idea to be skeptical about movies that purport to be "based on true events" — especially those that deal with the supernatural, such as "The Mothman Prophecies."
Stress the "usually" part.
It's a safe bet to assume that the real-life incidents upon which this science-fiction/thriller is based probably didn't really happen this way, the action is much more restrained than you'd expect and is told in a surprisingly subtle and effective manner.
That there are no big action sequences — at least until the final 15 minutes — may turn off some audiences that have grown to expect such Hollywoodisms. But those looking for what might be termed cerebral, hair-raising thrills will be rewarded.
On the surface, the plot resembles an "X-Files" episode, but it does have its thoughtful moments (including brief meditations on the subjects of grief and destiny). As for chills, let's just say that a ringing telephone has rarely been as menacing as it is here.
"The Mothman Prophecies" refers to sightings of a shadowy creature with glowing red eyes in Point Pleasant, a tiny West Virginia town. That's where journalist John Klein (Richard Gere) finds himself after a recent tragedy. John is still mourning the death of his wife (Debra Messing, from TV's "Will & Grace") and is searching for something to explain the odd drawings and statements she made before passing away.
Imagine his surprise when he finds that some of the locals have experienced the same hallucinations and have heard the same mysterious voices that his wife experienced. Especially credible is Gordon Smallwood (Will Patton), who receives a series of eerie premonitions.
With help from a local police officer (Laura Linney), John investigates these sightings and reports. Adding impetus to their efforts is cryptic evidence that suggests a large-scale tragedy may be about to occur in Point Pleasant.
Admittedly, the movie feels a tad long and is a bit overdirected by Mark Pellington, who can't resist the temptation to throw in flashy camera work and quick-cut edits that sometimes make it hard to tell what's going on.
Fortunately, however, he's working with a script (based on the best-selling book by John A. Keel) that is more character than action driven — though it is a bit exposition-heavy.
And as for the cast, this is one of better performances Gere has turned in. In particular, he has a very natural chemistry with Linney, with whom he co-starred in "Primal Fear."
"The Mothman Prophecies" is rated PG-13 for scattered use of profanity (including one utterance of the so-called "R-rated" curse word), brief simulated sex (fairly discreet), violence (automotive and some mayhem) and fleeting partial female nudity (a quick shower scene). Running time: 113 minutes.
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