Everybody's a critic - 'Secret Window'

Three stars (out of four)

Johnny Depp is a master at underplaying the leading role in this thriller. Depp, who always excels at creating the off-beat character, replays his success from roles past with his characterization of author-turned-hermit, Morton Rainy.

In "Secret Window" Mort's world is turned upside down when he catches his wife in a motel room with her lover, and he leaves behind his "happy" suburban life for a lonely existence in his country cabin.

Mort's withdrawal into seclusion is shattered by the intrusion of John Shooter, an intimidating southern bumpkin who accuses the author of plagiarism and claims to be his victim.

Serene lakeside isolation erupts into murder and madness as the plot thickens and the audience questions what they believe they are seeing.

As usual, every possible detail is employed to form the plot in this Stephen King film.

- Marty Koeller, wireless sales representative

Two and a half (out of four)

For those who have not yet seen "Secret Window," I will try not to give away too much of the story, even though it gives itself away long before the "unexpected" plot twist.

Being that this is another movie based on a story by Stephen King (adapted by writer/director David Koepp), it seems that this film is doomed to mediocrity, though, out of all the King movies, this one is one of the better films.

Johnny Depp's performance is what we've all come to expect from him, and I think that's what got this film payrolled in the first place. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad film. But the storyline has been done before -- and better -- by films like "Identity" or even "Fight Club."

What plays out is a suspenseful -- yet ultimately predictable -- psychological thriller. It entertains and is worth seeing, but not at the movies, unless you're going for the popcorn.

- Ryan Smith, student

Two stars (out of four)

Upon hearing that "Secret Window" would be based on the Stephen King novella "Secret Window, Secret Garden," I was immediately excited. Recent movies like "Dreamcatcher" and "The Green Mile" have been excellent films. However, I did start to worry that the lead characters wouldn't be as deep and colorful as they were in the book.

Thankfully, Johnny Depp (Mort Rainey), did a fantastic job of playing a somewhat-off writer who is visited by John Shooter (John Turturro), who arrives at Mort's house and accuses Mort of stealing his book. The longer Mort delays, the worse things become for him. Between the stalker, emotional problems and isolation, things can only get worse.

The subplot becomes fairly obvious early in the movie, but there are enough twists and eerie moments to keep you interested, right up until the credits. All in all, not a bad screenplay from an excellent book.

- Anson Rinesmith, Internet operations manager