Films/DVD Asylum

The Grudge: Kind'a Scary

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mr grits

(A)

Those Nipponese really have a good sense of terror. This remake, starring Buffy, was effectively "jumpy" and compelling. I never lost interest despite all the screaming going on around me.
When I heard this was a remake I rolled my eyes. But, it was done by the original director and set in Japan not the USA. Geller transcended teenage silliness and did a very somber turn as a happless innocent drawn into the madness of "The Grudge".
Although I admire Japanese film, there is a familiar "ring" to their horror genre. They all seem to be first cousins of sorts. Despite that, I enjoyed it. When it hits Showtime, turn out the lights and get ready to hide under the throw.

( huh? )

Follow Ups:

the trailer for Saw looks much scarier (nt) - geoffkait 05:31:08 10/25/04 (0)
nope
Ebert and Roeper trashed it - Jon L 21:35:43 10/24/04 (2)
Just saw the TV review a few hours ago. They both said they felt like walking out it was so bad...
Wonder if they have seen the original? The Japanese version chills the bone..
- Re: Ebert and Roeper trashed it - Analog Scott 08:52:07 10/25/04 (0)
  I just saw it. It is the usual bag of scare tricks with a fairly traditional back story for a spook flick. The scare tactics are skillfully applied and I jumped several times. It simply didn't stick with me as I left the theater. A-/B+ for craft C- for art. There are only so many ways to scare an audience. It is getting harder and harder to come up with a movie that is really scary and really substantial.
- People Seem to Have Mixed Reactions - Jack G 04:21:46 10/25/04 (0)
  To both the original and the Buffy version. Those that like them appreciate what they have to offer (atmosphere mainly, J-horror style), and those who don't complain about what it doesn't offer(lack of fomulaic style, linear coherency, answers at the end).
  Jack
How is it compared to the original? (nt) - Jack G 07:16:42 10/24/04 (4)
.
- Netflix says it hasn't been released yet . . . - mr grits 09:36:48 10/24/04 (3)
  so I'm on the list. It will be interesting to see how it compares using the same director.
  
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  - It may be playing in a theater near you. - Harmonia 18:35:45 10/24/04 (1)
    Ju-on is playing in a theater near me.
    As Jack says, the import has been out for months. R1 is out first week of November.
    Personally, I like the original better, but I saw it first. If you see the re-make first, that could flip-flop.
    - I liked Ringu better and I saw it last . . . - mr grits 18:56:00 10/24/04 (0)
      None of that American sensationalist crap in it.
      
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  - I've had the original (R2) for at least 9 months - Jack G 13:00:37 10/24/04 (0)
    The R1 will be out Nov. 8.

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