Zuhalter

This show made me late for school in the early 90's, as it was on right around the 7:00 hour when I had to go. I'd usually wait until the last possible moment, in front of a bowl of Cap'n Crunch, before running off to catch my bus.

I have vague recollections of the show itself. I remember that Conan used to pair up with one of his "friends" (I seem to remember one of them being a hawk person of some kind) to go battle evil. Each friend had a unique ability and persona...as well as a hazy relationship with the protagonist. There was also an arch-villain who meant Conan and his friends ill will. I don't remember who, or what he/she/they were, but I'm sure they were fierce.

That's about all I can remember...but if you ever get a chance to see an episode, just keep in mind how awesome the show is, and you will find peace.

I think, before you see this movie, you need to ask yourself exactly what you expect to get from it. Do you want a good movie, with an inventive plot, great acting, and imaginative directing? Or do you want a very pretty movie that will frighten you?

'The Grudge' will scare you. If you truly allow yourself to be taken into that world, the silences and sudden bursts of activity are sure to startle you. The cinematography is disjointed and creepy enough to keep you reeling and interested from the first "ghost mauling" to the final scare.

Unfortunately, in retrospect, "The Grudge" just disappoints. This is because, frankly, I just didn't care. Something that would have elevated this movie from a "cheap scare movie" to a great viewing experience would have been to include even a "smidge" of character development. Instead, we get to witness a cluster of caricatures being hunted by some supernatural force. The movie missed its chance to allow the audience to love the characters before they are torn away from us, which kept the film from being truly great.

Also, like most horror movies, the story line finally comes into focus in the final third of the movie. When it inevitably happens in 'The Grudge,' everything seems to make sense...but it's something of a let down. "Oh...so...that was it?" I remember asking myself at the time. There are no surprises, or clever twists at the end. Just...a solid explanation that is sufficient, and nothing more.

In all, I'm disappointed that the obviously talented filmmakers missed their opportunity to make a truly memorable film – something along the lines of "The Ring" (although I believe that movie has serious shortcomings as well).

Instead, I imagine "The Grudge" will most likely languish in the dark pit of "movies that did well in their first week, but dropped off the radar once something better came along." See it if you want to have a good, solid scare. Stay away if you desire a movie that is completely filling, and memorable.

Now, that's not totally accurate for this movie, per se. "The Company" does include its share of cliches...but they're not given the Soap-Operatic treatment that previous dancer-focused movies like "Fame" and "Center Stage" have. In fact, that's one of the biggest strengths of this movie: it feels like a documentary. The portrayal of all aspects of the "creative world" is spot-on. For instance, one tried-and-true cliche is the "Creative Director" (portrayed marvelously here by Malcolm McDowell). Traditionally he's an old guy that everyone fears/respects; some almighty deity that throws insults around randomly and exists solely to discourage the movie leads, and encourage the villains. In "The Company," McDowell creates a character who loves his performers, and doesn't unjustly antagonize anyone. He loves every aspect of his craft, and is instead respected and adored by the dancers. Other than its fresh script, another strength of the movie is it's ballet sequences. The dance scenes actually make ballet seem interesting. Even those with short attention spans, with a loathing for things like Jazz, Ballet and Opera, will most likely enjoy the creative dance sequences. The movie lacks a real central narrative, but I don't see that as a shortcoming. I think the intention of this movie was to show a couple of months in the life of a real life Ballet company, through the eyes of the lead (the surprisingly good Neve Campbell). It's not perfect, but it's a very good slice of creative life.