The Strangers (3 Stars)

2008. Rated R for violence, terror, and language.

The story of a couple (Scott Speedman and Liv Tyler) who return to an isolated vacation home after attending a wedding and soon find out they are not alone. Packed with suspenseful moments by utilizing sounds rather than visuals, giving the film that extra umpph! The way the back story unfolds between the couple is executed quite nicely, but in the second act, the same suspenseful tricks that are used over and over get tiresome. The brutality of the final act is reminiscent to the killings in Last House On The Left. A good first entry into the genre from director, Bryan Bertino.

Take note: nothing is ever known about "The Strangers". Histories of killers usually drag down storylines if not handled properly.