“Abandon” could have been much better if it didn’t take itself so seriously.

The movie simply lacks the charm and appeal needed to get the audience involved. It becomes too long and drawn out - and too silly in the last reel.

Katie Holmes puts in a solid effort but she and co-star Benjamin Bratt share no chemistry making the “love interest” part of the story simply unbelievable. Also taking away from the film are too many red herrings and a less than adequate plot line.

Finally, after the first 30 minutes, the audience just stops caring about the characters and begins to drift away. In fact the last time I saw a theater full of people constantly checking their watches was during my SATs. And I think I enjoyed the SATs more.

“Abandon” is the weakest of this year’s Halloween releases earning only 1 1/2 stars. It carries a PG-13 rating for drug and alcohol content, sexuality, violence and language.