Factual error: The film supposedly took place in the Coastal Carolina region. This is a geographically flat area, called a coastal plain. In the beginning of the film, the kids were driving along ocean cliffs, which are not present in the Carolinas. Obviously, this was filmed in California. (00:01:15)
Factual error: Another indication that this was filmed on the west coast is that in the opening shot you can see the sun. If this was North Carolina at sunset then the sun would not be visible across the ocean. (00:01:20)
Factual error: David Egan's obituary says he died on 'Wednesday July 5th 1997'. In 1997, July 5th was a Saturday. (00:45:30)
Factual error: When Helen and Julie are researching David Egan on her computer, the browser shows the URL as '//http:cnty457.lib.org'. It should of course be 'http://cnty457.lib.org'. (00:45:30)
Factual error: Near the end, Julie James is crouching down by the front tip of the boat with a flare gun in her hand. Now, she is crouching so she is looking straight at the rest of the boat, instead of looking over the front of the boat. Then Ben Willis starts the boat with a big push and she falls back against the tip of the boat and the gun flies out of her hands. Now when you do that with a car, you normally fly backwards, but since Julie is turned around the other way, she should fall onto the piece of boat in front of her. (01:26:45)
Factual error: Portion of the film were shot at an old farm house. The trees were bare, without leaves. Obviously filmed in the winter.
Factual error: In the scene where all four people get together after Jennifer Love Hewitt finds a body in her truck, Barry hits Ray with his right hand, which is in a cast. This would cause him a lot of pain, but despite using his injured arm more than once there's no sign of any discomfort.
Suggested correction: I'm an x-ray tech. Casts are made so the limb can bang into things without causing more injury. If he was angry with adrenaline flowing the cast could take all the force. He may not even feel it.
Factual error: When JLH visits Missy at her home Missy says she went to Southport High, but in the July 4th celebrations the marching band has a banner which reads East Brunswick High School. A bit strange that a "small fishing village" would have two high schools for the simple fact that well the town probably couldn't afford it and it's pointless to have two when the village is so small. Factually, Southport does indeed have just one high school - South Brunswick High. See http://schooltree.org/NC-BRUNSWICK.html.
Suggested correction: It says North Brunswick High School on the banner, which is located in Leland, NC. About 20 minutes north of Southport in Brunswick County. North Brunswick High School band participates in the Southport 4th of July parade.
