The Grudge 2 (Theatrical Edition/DVD-Video)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: C+ Film: C
Boo! Were you scared? No?
Well that is about the level of horrific sensation you should be
expecting from The Grudge 2. The sequel to a film that took Sarah Michelle
Gellar to a whole new level of ‘bad,’ returns to offer little more than a quick
romp through the old stomping grounds of the first film. Where there is a clear intention from the
writers and director to NOT do a clear rehash of the first Grudge, the film fails in creating the balance between old and
new. The horror sequel takes place
shortly after the first film, where Sarah Michelle Gellar’s (Karen) character
has ended up in a mental institution/hospital after setting the haunted house
from the first film ablaze; doing this
in order to rid the world of the terrorizing ghosts. Karen’s sister Aubrey (Amber Tamblyn) travels
to Tokyo in an attempt to bring her ‘troubled’ sister back to the states. The story slowly takes off as every character
gets pulled into this ghostly horror in some nonsensical manner. The film morphs from what could be a
tantalizing, mentally driven, horror film into a ‘who will be left standing’
deathfest. The story lacks depth,
creativity, and is more of the same. For
fans of the first film this may prove to be an entertaining popcorn night on
the couch, but in the end the horror elements do not work.
The
technical aspects of this DVD film release are better than the film
itself. The picture is clear and crisp
in its 1.85 X 1 Anamorphic Widescreen format, with the film relying so greatly
on shadowing and darkness the film hardly ever appears too dark or gritty. The only picture problem may be found with
the brighter scenes being too washed and white in appearance. The sound is presented in an adequate Dolby
Digital 5.1 Surround, that remains balanced throughout but does not ‘pop’ as
much as it should in the more sensational scenes.
The Extras
on this DVD are sufficient in ‘number of’ but lacking in content. Bonus features include Deleted Scenes that do
not add nor detract from the film, and other featurettes discussing the making
of the film. These featurettes include
‘East meets West’ discussing the cultural infusion the film offers, ‘Ready when
you are, Mr. Shimizu’ discussing personally why the director took on the
sequel, and a story development featurette that is very bare. Overall, good picture and sound, but the
extras are less than adequate, for this less than adequate sequel.
Overall,
what can be said about this film is that it is a sequel to a horror film that
was not that great in the first place.
You may be saying at this point; what does he mean by that? The basic point is that if you are a fan of
horror movies and the first Grudge
film made you jump out of your seat, this film may also wet your horror
appetite. This film by no means
surmounted to a great cinematic experience, but had some entertaining segments
squeezed in between what can only be described as rehashed dribble. The direction was not as solid as the first
film, but at least the writers did not completely repeat by putting Sarah
Michelle Gellar back into the leading role; like the writers of The Ring Two did with Naomi Watts. The writers used plethora of elements such as
the sick and dying mother of Karen and Aubrey to attempt to show a family rift,
but used it so poorly it seemed worthless to even place it in the film. The
Grudge series is a good concept with poor execution; let’s hope there is
not a Grudge 3.
- Michael P Dougherty II
