Well, I'm betting people had expectations that exceeded what this movie is really about. It wasn't a scary horror movie. More like a gore-filled adventure I'd say. And that first scene ! Shocking for sure. I thought the actors did a fine job with the given material and the story really was intriguing. So, yup, I liked it and don't understand the negative press from reviewers. Wow! Karl Urban was soooo handsome too.
shareDespite the decent budget (for a horror) and solid cast, the film did have its share of issues. It actually originated as a psychological thriller ~ titled "Chimera" ~ with four cast members so there's that feeling of what might have been. By the time it came to filming, the script was changed to make it a slasher which have never really hit home well with critics. Scream only really did well for its smart script and meta approach, but every single slasher that followed were also raked across the coals. Ghost Ship followed suit. There is also the fact that Ghost Ship, as enjoyable as the film is, just doesn't deliver as a horror movie. It's got its fans (I being one of them), but it's just not that scary as a movie.
The only scene that anyone ever talks about is the opening scene, which is regarded in the horror community as one of the best ever. So, it's got that going for it at least.