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Horror/Thriller     Rated PG-13

It's been six years since the Rollins family just up and left and now the troubled Solomon family has come from Chicago, to rebuild their lives following their sons hospitalization due to their daughter's drunk driving accident. But as they start to settle in something odd and strange begins to occur to their son. Could something supernatural be at work, and did the previous family just leave...or are they still here? Trapped in the only place they've ever known? And what did cause their deaths? Most of all...is this 'killer' still very much alive?

The cast features Dylan McDermott, Penelope Ann Miller, and John Corbett in supporting roles, all are fine, but Corbett sticks out as being the best of the bunch. The lead is played by "Twilight"'s Kristen Stewart, who is very good in her role, and despite acquiring her fame mainly through the Twilight films, is very much deserving of it in my opinion, as she really is a very talented young actress, and will likely retain her stardom for many years.

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Many mainstream horror films are thought to be watered down in order to please the MPAA, and while I often would agree with this statement (Prom Night remake anyone?) I do not think that is the case here, as addition violence or sex would not have really accomplished anything in this film, as it is a movie that is made to be PG-13. However, this film is certainly not without its flaws, as the heroin of the film, played by Stewart, is not a sympathetic character, as her past offense of driving drunk, with her infant brother in the car, is not easily forgiven, and the 2nd most major character, her mother, is also not sympathetic, as despite having a reason too be untrustworthy of her eldest child, just comes across as being a poor mother. It also has it's share of plot holes, and a lack of red herrings, killed the suspense aspect as its pretty much a guarantee as to who is the evil character. It is however well photographed and had some good special effect to go along with it's better than average haunted house storyline, and very well developed characters. Worth watching in the end, and a solid mainstream ghost story. Was followed by a direct to video sequel entitled "Messengers 2:The Scarecrow" which is reviewed here.