This movie lacks of a crucial element one might call logic. The character development itself is fundamentally flawed, seeing as how there is simply none. The omniscient and omnipotent "psycho guy" is never quite explained. His motives are never clear, other than the "I'll make you guys pay!" The means of which he accomplishes his acts are never explicitly (or implicitly) stated either. Rather, everything must be assumed. This in itself would not be so bad, since the antagonist can stay hazy for the purposes of the plot. However, the protagonist (played by Paul Walker) is not much better in terms of getting a sense of the character. The opening scene depicts a dorm room with books haphazardly spread about. It is later revealed that he is at Berkeley on a full scholarship. This is what I have the most problem believing. Then why the hell is he such a dumbass? In fact, his brother and his friend are much of the same. For the most part of the movie, they run away screaming, nevermind the fact that they outnumber the bad guy three to one. They never think of picking up a weapon. And yes, they even meet the bad guy in a dark corn field in the middle of nowhere alone.
For the greater part of the movie, I wanted the bad guy to catch them and torture them, resulting in slow, painful death. Whoever said the characters are real is either very stupid, or very stupid. I don't see how anyone can relate to the characters, unless the people they know have an IQ that rivals most rocks. Put aside the lack of character development and unbelievable plot devices, the director was quite effective at creating tension and conveying the fear of the characters. There were also some funny moments, most brought on by the hilarious Steve Zahn. The movie is really quite fun to watch, and the action (though brainless) delivers the appropriate thrills.
For the greater part of the movie, I wanted the bad guy to catch them and torture them, resulting in slow, painful death. Whoever said the characters are real is either very stupid, or very stupid. I don't see how anyone can relate to the characters, unless the people they know have an IQ that rivals most rocks. Put aside the lack of character development and unbelievable plot devices, the director was quite effective at creating tension and conveying the fear of the characters. There were also some funny moments, most brought on by the hilarious Steve Zahn. The movie is really quite fun to watch, and the action (though brainless) delivers the appropriate thrills.