The Grudge (Ju-on)

D: Takashi Shimizu; with Megumi Okina, Misaki Ito, Misa Uehara, Yuya Ozeki

Narrative Feature ‘Round Midnight, Regional Premiere This episodic haunted house tale follows character after character as they fall victim to the sprits of tormented homeowners past. The film lacks in character and plot development (like any good horror movie) but certainly makes up for it in eye-covering setups and scares. However, as the film sinks you deeper and deeper into your seat, you can’t help but feel used by the repetitious nature of the plot. There are only so many times a character can walk up the same blind staircase or slowly open a closet door. To the director’s credit, he sneaks the ubiquitous and ominous ghost kid (Ozeki) into the nether regions of many a frame, making his presence seem inescapable. Perhaps that’s because it is. Looking for a horror flick that takes the tools inherited from Ringu and builds a better Amityville? If so, there’s no better 90 minutes of nail biting in town.

(Alamo, March 18, 12mid)

This article appears in March 19 • 2004.

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James graduated from Columbia University in 2000 and moved to Austin a year later. Ever since, he has followed the arts and video game scene in ATX, editing and writing stories for the Chronicle along the way. Over his more than 20 years with the paper he has climbed the "corporate" ladder from lowly intern to managing editor.