Abandon
User Score
6.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12

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  1. ChrisH.
    Apr 1, 2004
    10
    Brilliant.
  2. EricS.
    Nov 2, 2002
    10
    There are scenes in "Abandon" so full of energy and brilliance that they would work on their own separate planes. There are characters so daringly distant that we can't help but be intrigued by them. And there is a revelation so well-revealed that I felt a chill go up my spine comparable to the one I got during 'The Sixth Sense.' Critics bashing this film are naive: realizing every element is only appreciated when looked at individually. Stephen Gaghon's "Abandon" is remarkable in that it illustrates textbook usage of everything a film of its depth should It's the kind of first feature I'd like to make.… Expand
  3. MikeW.
    Nov 27, 2002
    8
    I think it is safe to say Miss Katie has outdone herself, but the real brake through performance is Zooey Deschanel who from the beginning steels the movie in every scene she is in. Applause this beautifully crafted slow-paced triller. *** out of **** stars in my book!
  4. Gilbert
    Nov 20, 2002
    6
    Ooh, it's nearly good. Unfortunately, there's a very fine line between serious and stupid, and Abandon ends up tripping over it. Rent it on video instead.
  5. BobS.
    Oct 19, 2002
    6
    Abandon is a smart and well acted film, but the plot isn't put together very well. I really enjoyed the movie and jumped out of my seat a few times, but besides that I left a bit disappointed.
  6. MattM.
    Dec 6, 2002
    4
    Though the film seems to have potential, especially since it builds and builds and, well, builds..., it never completely woes the viewer. While the acting is barely tolerable, and the story cliched and predictable, some of the visuals are stunning, but then again, some aren't - such as the truly strange scene where the lighting is flickering extremely rapidly while Katie H. has hallucinations. If you are a serious movie-goer and critic, abandon Abandon, but if you are out for a "date flick," then it could provide a bit of fun.… Expand
  7. DanielleR.
    Sep 15, 2005
    3
    While Abandon is a film that has somewhat pleasing cinematography and a gorgeous actress, it fails to fully develop as a story, and it leaves some questions and mass confusion running in the viewers head. While many films use subtlety when it comes to some major points (ex: the original Stepford wifes, at the climax), the subtlety is too subtle in the end. It left me a little bit unsure of exactly what happened. I saw this movie in the theater with a friend simply because we wanted to see something and could not see The Ring, and it's a decision I truly regret. I do not usually have a negative opinion of a film, but this one managed to wrench one from me.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
36 out of 100

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 26 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 26
  3. Negative: 12 out of 26
  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: A.O. Scott
    40
    A thriller wrapped in heavy-duty gauze to muffle the chills.
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  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    30
    A trite psychological thriller -- all buildup and no payoff, a mystery that essentially offers only two alternative solutions, which diminishes the element of surprise and strings the viewer along way past caring which possibility proves to be true.
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  3. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    40
    The story's rhythm is so bogged down in unnecessary characterization that the film can hardly breathe.
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