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Ju-On: The Grudge follows in the steps of Ringu, The Eye, and Dark Water as another Japanese psychological horror film to hit Western shores (and to be remade (badly) by Hollywood). This is actually the downfall of this film. It follows the same scare tactics as it's predecessors and sums up to be nothing new - white powder make-up ghosts - check - long-haired scary females - check - set-piece in a lift - check. If this had been here first, it would have been so much more effective.

Contrary to belief these films do not employ jump-out your seat scares, more "Oh, sh*t, what the f**k is that" kinda chills, and this is where The Grudge works. Basically its 90 minutes of set-piece scares and offers nothing in the way of plot or sense, but these scenes are well-thought out and effectively handled.

A lot of people don't know that this is the 3rd film in a series of 4 (the first two were DTV), so like most horror sequels the plot and characterisation is done and dusted in the first film, and regurgitated (in most cases puked) again in the following sequels. This is, per say, like the 3rd Nightmare or Friday 13th film.

However Ju-On 3 is much better than all Freddy or Jason sequels and any silly "teen horror" film Hollywood regurgitates, employing real horror and atmosphere. It also works as a great introduction to Japanese horror for any people unaware of its impact.

6 pints out of 10.

A classic case of a film pitched on its twist and nothing else. Did the producers actually read the script. The surprise turn of events 2/3 thru the movie is so obvious (check out the subtle use of make-up) that none of the viewers care anyway. Add in some truly shocking lighting (I never knew the moon was so bright), a duff script and some shoddy acting, most notably from "the locals", and you have a really bad film.

I cannot believe my local Blockbuster stocks titles like this (and Boa Vs Python) and not The Grudge (Japanese Version) or Bus 174. According to the video clerk I live in a town where people want to watch films and not read them! How stupid.

1 out of 5 for The Locals / 0 out of 5 for Blockbuster!