drowns in deep plot

Films like The Exorcist 2 and Rosemary's Baby have had success with very deep, drawn-out plots. However, many movies have failed horribly with this idea, like The Thirteenth Floor and most recently, The Ninth Gate.

The Ninth Gate, starring Johnny Depp, defies this concept and takes it to a new low. The terribly written script and endless amounts of boring film space make the film's overall entertainment value empty.

To make a long story short, Dean Corso (Depp) is a New York book broker who is accomplished at ripping people off and being a lousy person. Corso is given an assignment to check the authenticity of a rare book. The book is called The Nine Gates - author, the devil - and there are only three copies in existence. The rumor is that only one of the books is authentic. Corso's only job is to check on the other two books while others try to kill him and try inviting the devil to play.

From the overall plot, The Ninth Gate sounds like a great horror film. This idea is smashed in the early scenes of the film as one is left waiting for any event to occur. Corso's excursion ends up taking about two hours of the film. Some would consider changing the name of the movie to Searching For Books by the Devil. The only hardcore moment in the film is near the last ten minutes, which consists of sex and fire.

Despite the first two hours of the movie being terrible, there are a few interesting moments. The book offers mystery that could impale a small audience.

The few special effects in the movie are disappointing. Also, almost every scene depicts at least one character smoking. When are filmmakers going to realize that the glamor in smoke died fifty years ago?

Emmanuelle Seigner plays Depp's protector, known only as "the girl." Even with her confusing purpose, Seigner's is the best acting in the film.

The Ninth Gate is a disaster for Depp, who was outstanding in Sleepy Hollow. The film is mostly a shame to all involved and should only be rented by those seeking a very deep plot, with a 99-cent movie coupon.