Ghost & the Darkness, the

Unfortunately, two more man-eating lions begin to make daily harassments on the work camp, killing over 30 men, and eventually halting the construction, in spite of all that Patterson can do.

Enter Charles Remington (Michael Douglas), famous and professional wildlife hunter.

The rest of the drama unfolds as we see how Remington and Patterson deal with the crisis as the death toll reaches over a hundred.

Contrary to many previous reviews on the movie, The Ghost and the Darkness is an excellent film. Brilliant cinematography, breathtaking scenery, and beautiful and robust music are only a part of this great adventure yarn (which is based, stronger than you might think, on the true story). The acting of all the actors, once again contrary to popular criticism, is very good; not "over-the-top" at all. The film has a robust and powerful feel that accurately echoes the ruggedness and strength of Africa and the great men who tried to tame her. The authenticity of the film's props (costumes, weapons, tools, vehicles, etc.) is also impressive. The special effects are perfectly convincing and the lions are real.

The film has a good length (an hour and forty minutes) and never loses its pace or sense of direction. The film is straightforward and, at many moments, downright powerful. The tension is strong and, yes, this film is better than "Jaws" in every way, not to mention more mature than the sharkie movie. And, "The Ghost and the Darkness" is much more than a mere thriller. It is also a historical drama of high caliber.

Warning: If you are a feminist, you will find this movie too "macho". But if you admire the indomitable spirit of the Victorian era's adventurers, you will appreciate the film's strong (and realistically imperfect) characters. And sorry, there are no sugar-cutie boys who run to Angelina Jolie for help and no Super-Chicks who come to save the day (thank goodness).

Well, if you have not seen the movie, rent it and watch it. I would buy it but purchasing it is up to you. I highly, highly, recommend this film.

This might have been an exciting story if the filmmakers had not chosen to ratchet up the terror by making these lions seem supernaturally invincible. The lions are imbued with so much (supposedly scary) intelligence that they trick Remington and Patterson more than once so they can make their kills. They become evil instead of unpredictable. As the film progresses, everything gets even more unbelievably hokey as the actors strap on their machismo. Still, the scenes with the lions are chair-grabbing tense; it's only after the scenes have ended that the viewer is likely to see how ridiculous it all is.

The best part of this film comes before the lions appear, when Patterson is suffering from the pride we know he'll lose, and as the camera pans over the African savannah. But most viewers aren't watching this film for its character development and cinematography. If only the suspense had not been artificially heightened, this could have been a solid thriller.

This is a decent escapist movie with not much to offer on second viewing. I'd make this a rental instead of a purchase.