Premise - A woman with psychic abilities (Cate Blanchett) is asked to help find the missing fiancé (Katie Holmes) of the local schools principal (Greg Kinnear). Katie Holmes breasts. There you go, that's the best thing about this film. About ten minutes from the end of the film you get to see the undeniably shapely Katie Holmes in just a pair of panties. Okay, so maybe it's not the best thing about the film, but it is a highlight. Might I add, one of few highlights in a film that has a distinct 'movie-of-the-week' feel about it. Maybe it's the deep south setting, or the use of a courtroom halfway through, or the wife beating. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but 'The Gift' is more akin to the kind of film you would see on Channel 5 as apose to a supernatural thriller from director Sam (Evil Dead) Raimi. I wouldn't put the blame on Raimi's shoulders for the films failings. His direction is, as ever visually impressive. Using all his favourite tricks (speeding up, reversing film etc.) to create quite a creepy atmosphere. Nor can you fault the mostly excellent ensemble cast. All except the dreadful Greg Kinnear acquit themselves well. A special mention for Blanchett in the leading role, completely ditching her Aussie accent for a very convincing southern drawl. A surprisingly good performance from Keannu 'wooden' Reeves, who shows some untapped potential as an actual actor here. Giovanni Ribisi is full of intensity and is impressive also. In support you have Gary Cole as a slimy southern lawyer (is there any other kind?). I'm sorry, but I just cannot take Cole seriously after seeing him play the 'boss' in underrated comedy 'Office Space'. Raimi has also cast J.K. Simmons as the towns Sheriff. This was either a coincidence or some clever casting on Raimi's part. As the Sheriff is almost a carbon copy of J Jonah Jameson from Spider-Man, a part that Simmons will play in the upcoming movie (also directed by Raimi). So if it's not the directors fault and it's not the casts then that pretty much leaves one thing, the script. Co-written by Billy Bob Thornton, whom certainly knows the south of America, the script is the weak link. As I said earlier the film feels like a made for TV flick and for my money the story is to blame. Characters are far to stereotyped and cliched, they do exactly what you would expect them to do. There are certainly no surprises to be had here. In-fact I had the films supposed 'shocking' revelation pegged VERY early on. At the end of the day 'The Gift' is just so desperately average that it hurts. To see talent like Sam Raimi and the mostly wonderful cast churn out something so middle of the road is criminal. Oh, did I mention Katie Holmes breasts?

6/10 for The Gift. Poster Quote - Take it back.