Directed by David Cronenberg (The Fly, Videodrome, A History of Violence, Eastern Promises, etc.)

Starring Christopher Walken, Tom Skerrit, and Martin Sheen

Synopsis: “Teacher Johnny Smith gets in a horrible accident which forces him into a coma for five years. Once Johnny wakes up, he discovers he has the ability to read a person’s life just by making physical contact with them. When the local police find out about Johnny’s “powers”, they bring him in on a murder case. Soon Johnny’s abilities gets him into more trouble then he may be able to handle.

Based on a Stephen King short story and shot in and around Niagara-on-lake by Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg, this movie is a pretty enjoyable supernatural thriller. Very Twilight Zone-y, in a good way. One thing I really liked is how unselfconsciously the psychic premonition sequences are presented. Once I allowed myself to buy into the story, these sequences rarely seemed silly or over-the-top, which I found really impressive (since that sort of thing is so cliched usually).

Christopher Walken is great. He was still in the “actual acting” phase of his career, and is awesome here. Martin Sheen does an amazing job as well as a smooth talking Politician too.

Also there is this old SNL sketch where Christopher Walken spoofs this movie, which is hilarious.

Rent It.