This movie is a far cry from perfect. But then, few movies are nowadays and one has to learn not to be picky. If you're looking for some entertainment on a boring Saturday night, then this is a good way to go.

Despite the whining of her weatherman boyfriend, Jane becomes the newest tenant of a rather creepy looking apartment building, having inherited the place from a dead aunt. Over time, Jane comes to meet the various people that make up the rest of the tenants. They include a snoopy, loopy old lady, a slightly unhinged superintendent, a mysterious but kind old man, a blind and deaf old couple, and a rather mean-spirited old woman. Not to mention the man across the way from her may be a murderer, but, hey, can't win 'em all, right? Amidst all this, Jane finds herself being attacked by the woman living one floor below, obsessing over the "oral disturbances" that Jane just can't seem to cut out.

So yeah, rather a predictable, old plot, but still unique in a strange way. I own the movie and have watched it a few times already. Perhaps its the atmosphere and quirky, in some cases almost stereotyped characters that keep me coming back. Perhaps its the smooth, creepy music or use of scenery. Then again, it's probably Tobin Bell in his role as the Locksmith. Yeah, that could be it too...

When the build-up of a movie is as good as it is in "The 4th Floor", the third act will almost inevitably have to be somewhat disappointing. The director, who is a first-timer to boot, does a very good job of creating a sinister, eerie atmosphere and keeping us hooked, always in doubt about who the guilty party is. Then in the last 10 minutes, it all becomes a routine slasher film, complete with half-baked plot "explanations" and a gratuitous "twist ending". Still, for the most part this an excellent little thriller, and definitely worth your time. (***)

The is a smart psychological horror thriller. After the death of her aunt, Jane (Juliette Lewis) occupies her 5th floor apartment to the dismay of her weather man boyfriend George (William Hurt). She runs into problems with the 80 year old recluse on the fourth floor who demands silence. The super (Artie Lange)of the building is a bit creepy and is not all there. The landlady (Shelley Duvall) is a bit of a busybody. There is an elderly couple that are a bit blind and deaf. Mr. Collins (Austin Pendleton) is a kindly old man who likes his privacy, but seems to have taken a shine to Jane.

Jane frequently looks out her window at the interesting tenets across the way, who in turn watch their building. Here lives the creepy locksmith, (Tobin Bell) who services both buildings.

Jane gets threatening notes about her noise from the 80 year old woman who lives below her. Then weird things happen which escalate.

The acting was alright, although I would have rather seen Kidman play Jane. The action moves at a smart pace. The plot was good as it gives you subtle clues as to what is happening, but it wasn't too revealing. Well done.

PARENTAL GUIDE: F-bomb, no sex or nudity. Fans of this film might like "Occupant."