White Noise contains all the necessary elements demanded from the horror film - jumpy popcorn-throwing moments, tension and enough (at times, too much) of the unknown to get the imagination into gear.

The film kicks off on an eerie note with the sudden (and not entirely unwelcome) disappearance of sickly sweet Anna, played by Chandra West.

Michael Keaton plays successful architect Jonathan Rivers, who is contacted by a man (Ian McNeice) claiming to be receiving messages from Anna through EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon), where the dead communicate with the living through electrical recording devices.

Although he is initially sceptical, Jonathan becomes obsessed with trying to contact Anna but the accompanying unwelcome supernatural messages unwittingly open a door to another threatening world.

In addition, Anna's messages begin to warn Jonathan of tragic events that have not yet happened, begging him to intercede for the victims.

While having the necessary premise for a great film, the snowy screen and blurred, garbled messages are almost impossible to decipher and confusion begins to detract from the fear which is demanded from the horror genre.

And if you're expecting definitive answers about EVP, don't turn to this film - it becomes too far-fetched to lend any credence to the theories.

However, on arrival at home it will lead you to view all electric instruments with a touch of caution - for an hour or so.

CS