'The Strangers' more style than substance

'The Strangers' (Universal)

Director: Bryan Bertino

Cast: Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman

Cert: 16

You’d think people would have learnt by now not to visit lonely houses - every other film seems to bring us people who find themselves being terrorized by unseen forces in lonely houses … this one is no different.

Here we have troubled Kirsten (Tyler) and James (Speedman) fetching up at his parents’ isolated summerhouse where a teenage girl comes calling. James sends her packing but soon she returns with a couple of masked and manic friends.

Who are they and what do they want … and why do Kristen and James keep doing stupid things like investigating strange noises and leaving one another alone at moments of danger?

We have here a film in which style overcomes substance – lots of dark brooding scenes, lots of figures flitting about – but not enough to really freeze the blood.

Star Rating: 2/5