Plot: A house is cursed by a vengeful ghost that dooms those who enter it with a violent death- The Grudge
Director – Nicolas Pesce
Starring: Andrea Riseborough, David Lawrence Brown, Zoe Fish, Lin Shaye, John Cho
Genre: Horror
Release Date: January 2020
Just like in the early ‘oos, every time we get a Ring film we get a Grudge film and once again like with Rings I was disappointed with what the filmmakers chose to do with these iconic franchises.
Set in the same cinematic universe as the previous three Grudge films, this time we leave Japan and travel to the American suburbs and therein lies one of the movie’s problems, as the move to the States, removed the rawer, grittier chill factor that the original Japanese setting gave us. Not to mention that even filling the film with jump scares didn’t result in the film being remotely scary, the number one thing a horror film is supposed to be.
What’s worse is that even with the stronger rating, the film feels no different to the teen horror films we are seeing lately such as Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark or Escape Room.
Although I would argue that compared to Rings, it’s the better film and tries to do more interesting things with the plot, this, however, doesn’t make the film feel any more necessary.
As mentioned above, there are some aspects of the film where the makers have tried to do something interesting with the plot, namely borrowing the non-linear plot from The Grudge 2, with all the jumping between timelines making pay attention to what you’re watching and helping to cement the timelessness feel that the makers were going for, be it the grudge house, the curse or the ghosts.
With a little more work, in terms of story, it wouldn’t have taken much to perfect and given it a nice full-circle feeling, possibly an extra 10/15 minutes devoted to the modern-day timeline to create the substance.
In terms of acting, everyone does their parts well, especially Riseborough who carries the plot as she attempts to solve the pattern of mysterious deaths plaguing her town and move on from the death of her husband, while John Cho makes the most of what he is given and Lin Shaye once again in excellent.
Sadly, the whimpering ending really sealed the films averageness for me, making me dream of what could have been and how I wish it had signalled the start of a new franchise, maybe a returning to Tokyo and bringing back Kayako and Toshio would have helped any inevitable future films and elevate it to more than just another start of the year horror film.
If you liked: Childs Play, In The Tall Grass, Annabelle: Creation
So creepy! I will definitely not go see this one but I appreciate the review. I would never sleep again. LOL
I haven’t seen this one. I saw the first Grudge, and it freaked me out so bad. I kept imagining I was going to be killed in the shower. LOL
Oh gosh. Scary movies + me = DO NOT get along. hahahahaha! I get the heebie-jeebies. I remember seeing IT and I had to sleep with the light on… Not that a LIGHT would help if he did randomly sneak in, hahahahahahaha!
Didn’t know there were more movies of The Grudge. I saw the first one and I really like it. Probably gonna spend my tie at home to watch these other two movies. Thanks for the review.
Oh my goodness!! Scary movies do not do well with me. I wish I had the capability to enjoy them, but I can appreciate the creativity in making them. I’ll be over here watching rom’coms. Lol!
Appreciate the review but I don’t think I have the stomach to watch The Grudge now especially when I am with my kids.
Aaaahhhhh….I would love to watch the parts that were released first before I can watch this! They must have really set the bar high.
To be honest, I am not a fan of watching horror or suspense movies and seeing the trailer of this movie makes my heartbeats so fast, I am totally scared of it but will share this with my sister who loves watching horror movies like this.
Oh thats quite a horror. I will keep it reserved for watching after this crisis goes over coz anyway I am now in a state of horror worried about groceries, milk etc. But coming back to the point you have written the review well and it helps readers to judge the film and watch it.
Definitely not a genre of movie I tend to go see, but really enjoyed your take on it!
I own the Retro Grudge movie, I think you did a review on that one. I heard of the new one that came out, but haven’t seen it yet. Maybe I will give it a chance sometime.
This sounds like such a scary movie! Definitely not something I’ll be watching alone!
oh gosh. that poster/picture is so creepy!!! i do not want to ever see this movie. i think i could get nightmares just from this photo. 😉
I saw part 1 but this part 2 review is so great. I would love to check it out.
Awesome movie! If you want to see a horror flick check it out! This movie will have you at the edge of your seat.