The Sixth Sense

Review by James Anthony

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Whatever you've heard about this movie - believe it. For it is as good as the reports you've listened to and the hype you haven't.

Why no ad-driven hype? Well, The Sixth Sense doesn't need it.

It is an excellent tale of a child psychologist, Malcolm Crowe, played superbly by a much-underrated Bruce Willis, who takes on the case of a disturbed young boy, Cole Sear, brilliantly portrayed by Haley Joel Osment. Crowe finds himself linking the youngster with a previous patient who he felt he failed and who eventually killed himself.

On top of this, the psychologist is having marriage problems with an increasingly detached wife (Olivia Williams) and is split between her, helping the boy and, by doing so, easing his own feelings of failing a patient.

The Sixth Sense is dark, but always there is this chemistry between the main characters that brings light and hope to the movie.

The storyline is beautifully balanced and does not dwell on gore and shock but does include elements of both.

Australia's Toni Collette is spot-On as Cole's mother, giving a superb performance as a woman who is exhausted by her son and desperate to make sure he gets help and knows that she loves him.

As a thriller, The Sixth Sense rates with the best and, when boosted by a real pull on the heart strings, it is taken to another level again.

Absolutely terrific!

Conclusion: Movie: 90% DVD Extras: 80%

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