Almost fifty years ago, Agatha Christies book, And Then There Where None AKA Ten Little Indians was made into a 1945 film. In that story, ten people on a remote island are killed off one at a time.

In this film, ten people arrive at a motel marooned there by a big rainstorm, and the story seems the same, but its not. Its a very spooky mystery with a lot of suspense and one that will take you by surprise. Its a good story line, with rising action, an unexpected climax and an equally unexpected resolution. The success of this little horror-mystery gem is this plot, well acted and well filmed.

John Cusak plays Ed, who arrives chauffeuring a film star. Since his first film in 1983, he has appeared in 42 films and one TV show. Most recently, Ive seen him in Being John Malkovich (1999) and High Fidelity (2000). He keeps to himself, likes helicopter snowboarding and kickboxing.

Ray Liotta plays Rhodes who arrives as an officer with the prisoner, Maine played by Jake Busey. Liottas career began c. 1980 in TV. He selects about a role a year and he likes psychopathic character parts.

Amanda Peet plays Paris who arrives driving a convertible in a rainstorm. She graduated from Columbia University in 1994.

John Hawkes plays Larry, the manager who checks them into the motel. I thought he was good in this part. He made a hit in Perfect Storm (2000) as Bugsy, the lovelorn sailor.

The questions for you, the audience are: Whats going on? Whos telling the truth? What do you believe?

Reviewed October 15, 2003