When A Stranger Calls

I'm not a fan of horror flicks, but in the spirit of Halloween, I popped the disc into the player and prepared to get scared.

The Plot: Jill (Camilla Belle) is stripped off of her mobile and transportation privileges. In short, she's grounded. So instead of spending the night at this huge bonfire bash with her highschool buddies, she's off babysitting for the Mandrakises. It's not all bad, however, because the Mandrakises have the most awesome house and the kids were already asleep when Jill arrives. She then whiles away the time with schoolwork and harmless snooping. All is serene until the phone rings and a heavy-breathing stranger on the other end of the line asks, 'Have you checked the children'? What started out as a peaceful night for Jill turns into her worst nightmare.

The Review: Here are a few tips to enjoy the movie:
Invite over some buddies to spend the night at your house. Make sure the friends you invite are bored out of their wits in their own houses.

Stack your fridge with goodies. Don't forget the popcorn.

Gather round and psych yourselves that the movie is a hair-raising, scream-yourself-hoarse thriller.

Switch off the lights, pop the disc into the player, and scream whenever the phone rings.

After the anti-climactic ending, switch on the lights, replay among yourselves the scary scenes, if any, admire the really amazing house of the Mandrakises and laugh at the absurdity of it all.

(phone rings)
Jill: Stop calling me, you sick...
Police Officer: (interrupts) Jill? We traced the call. It's coming from inside the house. Do you hear me? It's coming from inside the house.

The Rating: 3/10

Photo courtesy of www.rottentomatoes.com