Cold Creek Manor (2003)

Director: Mike Figgis

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Sharon Stone, Stephen Dorff

A family relocates from the city to a dilapidated house in the country that was once a grand estate. As they begin renovations, they discover their new home harbors a secret and may not be completely free of its former inhabitant.

‘Cold Creek Manor’ has been criticized for using every thriller cliché. Maybe it has, but I found it very watchable thanks to good performances by Dennis Quaid and Sharon Stone, and the incredibly sexy Stephen Dorff, who is simply yummy-licious!!

Tired of city life, the Tilson family decide to pack up and move to the country. Dale Massie (Stephen Dorff) suddenly shows up and although he seemingly has good intentions at first, its not difficult to read between the lines. Dale used to live in Cold Creek Manor and now resents the Tilson family for living there.

Cooper makes documentaries, and decides to make a documentary on Cold Creek Manor. Digging into its past, Cooper finds much more than he bargained for. And then Dale makes their lives a living nightmare…

Yes, some of the events in the film are exaggerated and hardly believable. The snakes scene in particular was a bit much and definitely more funny than suspenseful. In fact, come to think of it, it played like a silly scene from a slapstick comedy!

Yes, yes, the ending is predictable, but despite this and the many flaws in the film, I still found it entertaining. I enjoyed the mystery element. And Stephen Dorff’s gorgeous physique is an absolute bonus! He is one of the sexiest villains ever!

Would I watch it again? Yes.