Two groups in particular will be very happy to know that “”The Gift”” is an outstanding film. The first group, consisting of film fans deflated by the director’s last Costner-laden effort, “”For Love of the Game,”” will be delighted to hear that their favorite director is back in top form. His direction is sharp, the chills are genuine, and his ensemble cast dances deftly through the complicated plot, all under Raimi’s watchful eye.
The second group, consisting of rabid comic fans who eagerly await Raimi’s next project – “”Spider-Man”” – will be delighted to hear that their much-anticipated project is indeed in the hands of a talented director, one who is capable of blending multiple genres while spinning an interesting tale (something that’s vital if you want a comic book movie to fly).””The Gift”” stars Cate Blanchett as Annie Wilson, the widowed mother of three who earns extra cash by reading people’s fortunes. Annie possesses clairvoyant powers that allow her to see vision, which make her a bit of an outcast – and the target of abuse – in her skeptical Georgian town.The thriller boasts an all-star cast, and Raimi wastes no time introducing his parade of stars. Oscar winner Hillary Swank plays Valerie, a regular at Blanchett’s table who needs advice because her husband, Donnie (Keanu Reeves), savagely beats her. Greg Kinnear pops up as Wayne Collins, the local high school principal with a kind heart and a cheating fiancee named Jessica King, played by “”Dawson’s Creek”” star Katie Holmes.Problems arise when Jessica disappears after a night on the town. Wayne is terrified, and the police have exhausted all avenues. Against their better judgement, the authorities turn to Annie and ask her if she’s “”seen”” anything. Her gift leads the police to Donnie’s property, where they find Jessica buried in the swamp. But Donnie might not be responsible, and Annie starts to believe she fingered the wrong guy.Despite it’s supernatural undercurrent, Raimi’s “”Gift”” is really just a well-told murder mystery, much like the way his “”A Simple Plan”” was, at heart, a well-told caper. The film’s multiple twists and turns are anchored by Blanchett, who is wonderful as the gentle and hesitant Annie. Even Reeves stands out, and his burden is not light. His character is the villain we must cower from if the film is going to work, and Reeves makes us shudder. With precious few special effects, Raimi still conveys fear, and the mere suggestion of the presence of evil (mostly embodied by Reeves as the abusive Donnie) is enough to send shivers down your spine.GRADE: A-THE EXTRAS:Paramount’s DVD lacks a director’s commentary, but true Raimi fans will forgive the director. After all, he’s hard at work on “”Spider-Man,”” and that film can’t come quick enough. Still, it would have been nice to hear his insight into such an engrossing flick. Billy Bob Thornton, the film’s writer, has no such excuse. Without a running commentary, fans of the film will have to rely on exclusive cast & crew interviews and the film’s trailer to further their experience, and then bop their heads to “”Furnace Room Lullaby,”” an eerie music video track by Neko Case and Her Boyfriends.GRADE: COVERALL EXPERIENCE:Lacking the director’s commentary – a Paramount specialty – “”The Gift”” DVD doesn’t quite deliver the punch you might expect. But Raimi has yet to prove himself as a director who devotes a lot of time and energy to his DVDs. All that might change one day, though it’s safe to assume that the director’s “”Evil Dead”” films would get preferential treatment before he revisted “”Gift.”” If you liked the film – and it’s an easy one to like – purchase this version now. It will scare the pants off of you, as the wonderful Blanchett knocks your socks off.FINAL GRADE: B+