A suspense thriller that dazzles visually but begs one to leave common sense trapped in a steel plated room where no sense can get at it. It's got its moments of tension though.

The premise for this film is very simple, which could have made it very one note if not for the direction of David Fincher. Two people staked out in a room, against common criminals out to get their hands on millions, doesn't sound appealing when you realize that most of the action takes place in a small room. Foster and Stewart are exceptional as a mother and daughter team, fighting against Whiter, Yoakam, and Leto's burglars. Each side is very intelligent, Whitaker especially, as he plays an employee of the company that makes the panic rooms. In contrast Foster is a worrisome mother with know-how and a true fighting spirit. Fincher gives some really great long takes and tracking shots of the interior of the house, making it a character rather than a set piece. It's a straight edged thriller all the way through, though some moments, where the action is slowed and we're not sure whether they'll all make it, were heart thumping good.