It's been a while since I have seen Jodie Foster in a movie that is worthy of her talent. Not that she has made too many movies over the last few years (her last movie was 1999's Anna and the King). The last time she was in a great movie was 1997's Contact, but she returns in top form in this thriller.

Forest Whitaker stands out among the three burglars and brings a more caring side to the usual bad guy characteristics. Kristen Stewart, who plays the daughter, pulls off a tough role for a youngster. She reminded me of a young Natalie Portman in The Professional (although Portman had a little better material to work with in that movie for her character).

I don't think that there was anything too far fetched in this movie, although I did think of a thing or two that the burglars could have done to help their cause. One of the ideas actually happened close to the end and the burglars wondered why they hadn't thought of it.

When I saw the previews for the movie I figured that the burglars were going to be these trained meanies that know exactly what they are doing. It was not so; they seemed more realistic and when you see the movie you will realize, with the situation, just why. I don't believe in giving too much away.

There was a scene or two that was a little shocking, story wise (something that happens that you don't expect, or at least not at the time it happens). But it all builds up to a very satisfying, yet, expected ending. It's kind of predictable.
As A Critic: A-

Average Moviegoer:  I know that people either love David Fincher's movies or hate them. My guess is that this movie will capture the fancy of both sides. Panic Room is not as "out there" as Fight Club.

The theater was about half full when I went to see it on Saturday afternoon, but it seemed that everyone was into the movie. The thriller does actually move at quite a good pace throughout, keeping your attention. Some might think that having everything take place in one house would make it a little boring, but this movie is far from it.

For Jodie Foster fans, this role can kind of be compared to that of Clarice Starling in Silence of the Lambs. Now don't take this out of context. Panic is no Silence of the Lambs (that is a classic after all), but there are some truly terrifying moments in this movie as well. This one is more of a cheer inducing movie than that was.

There were some parts in the movie where the audience kind of giggled in anticipation of what Foster's character was about to do.  There was one loud cheer close to the end of the movie where you just want to jump up and go "Yeah!" The mood and feeling of the movie is dark, although there are some funny moments here and there.

This is a thriller that will do good for a while at the theaters, since it's been a while since we've had a really good one.