The Mothman Prophecies

Although director Mark Pellington's (Arlington Road) supernatural chiller is "based on true events," it's also awash in logistical fallacies and blatant fictionalization. Still, The Mothman Prophecies is stimulating, startling and very well executed as it follows obsessed reporter Richard Gere on his investigation of a remote town's eerie encounters with a giant, shadowy, winged humanoid that has a penchant for vaguely prophesizing impending disasters in an unearthly voice. Pellington's talent for creating an uncanny ambience goes a long way toward keeping the action compelling, but even the film's minor contrivances become quite conspicuous as it builds toward a catastrophic climax. Optional. (R. Blackwelder)