“When I had time to sit down and ponder “The Eye”, I came to the conclusion that its biggest sin as a film is that it never once excites the viewer in any meaningful way. The visuals are limp, suspense non-existent and character development conspicuously absent (not to mention the really corny voice-overs at the beginning and end). Sure, it’s very faithful to the original, and sure Alba gives a great performance as the lead. Had this been released three or four years ago when everyone and their brother were still excited about Asian horror, maybe I would feel differently. As it stands however, it’s simply a case of “too little, too late” for this “A-Horror” remake. If you do decide to watch it, you probably won’t hate it, but you certainly won’t like it either. Consider yourself warned.” – Bloody Good Horror
“First, this may very well be the least frightening horror movie I’ve ever seen in my many years. There’s no suspense either. Directors David Moreau and Xavier Palud rely on old shock tactics and camera tricks to try and squeeze out any semblance of terror from this tired premise. It may be due to their relative inexperience behind the camera or because of the highly suspect screenplay by Sebastian Gutierrez. I’d venture a guess Gutierrez didn’t put much time into translating or in the embellishment of the original work. Whatever the underlying reason is, The Eye clearly suffers from it. Gravely.
Second, even though I shouldn’t have to spell it out, watching Jessica Alba act is about as much fun as getting hit in the head with a crowbar. Repeatedly. To her credit though, she does actually try to display some emotional range — Sydney is undoubtedly a troubled young lady — but try as she might, it is completely and utterly unbelievable. Her days as a card carrying member of the Screen Actors Guild must now come to a swift and complete end (the horror that was Good Luck Chuck was no apparition). In place of it, she should be awarded stage time at Seventh Veil. Apparently, the directors agree with my replacement idea since they added a totally unnecessary shower scene to the movie (no she doesn’t get naked).” – The Critical Critics
“In fairness, it should be noted that the original had its share of obviousness and familiarity as well, and that those behind the remake have successfully carried over a few of its best bits (including a moment of revelation involving a photograph and a mirror). And where the Asian Eye’s major climactic setpiece felt shoehorned into the storyline just to provide some closing-reel spectacle, Gutierrez has more successfully integrated it into the overall narrative, and Moreau and Palud eke some genuine suspense out of the situation. Overall, though, too much of The Eye feels second-hand—and with source material from one foreign country combined with directorial talent from another under the aegis of the compromising Hollywood system, perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that something got lost in translation.” – Fangoria
