Jeu mortel

I picked this up because: 1- it appeared to be a suspense movie and 2- starred a name actress (Darryl Hannah). Reading the synopsis on the box in the store, it sounded like an interesting plot but I was a little hesitant about renting it as there were absolutely NO quotes on the box from any reviewers. Getting it home and pressing "play" on my DVD player surprisingly resulted in almost immediate action and involvement in the story- it wastes no time at all getting into the suspense. The most obvious comparison in the storyline is with the movie "Misery" but that's not to say this is a rip-off of that film or unworthy of renting (or buying) because of the similarities. This is every bit as good as that film or better and the acting by the major players- especially Hannah and her kidnappers- is first-rate all the way. Don't hesitate to check this one out- it's the best-kept suspense movie secret this year.

....and that in most part is due to Jennifer Tilly's wildly exaggerated performance - but then she's so hot anyway, check out "Bullets Over Broadway" - she rules. She does what she can (and much more) with a clumsily written character, and so does Gallo. The presence of Bruce Greenwood adds a cheap telemovie feel to this, while Hannah does reasonably well. The story is basically a new go at "Rosemary's Baby" without witchcraft but with syringes, and there's a more than a passing industrial nod to "Misery" and many other better flicks. The film bleeds to its expected end with no particular surprises or excitement. Still, watch it for Jenny....and root for her, she deserves the goddamn baby.

From the outset, 'Hide and Seek' promises more than it can deliver, and left me not only disappointed, but also a little disturbed.

It storms straight into the story with Anne (Hannah) kidnapped by an intruder. With a series of flashbacks we are told that she was expecting a child, only to be informed at the hospital that she has made a mistake and is, in fact, not pregnant. It transpires that the guy doing the tests is the kidnapper, and he and his wife plan to hold Anne captive throughout her pregnancy, ultimately killing her and keeping the baby as their own.

There is a glimmer of an original idea behind this, but it is so badly executed that after about 45 minutes it really begins to drag. Obviously, the comparisons to 'Misery' are expected, but if you thought Kathy Bates' performance was over the top, wait until you see Jennifer Tilly! - not so much a woman on the edge, more like 200 miles over it! She sounds like a demented 'Mickey Mouse' (check out the bedroom scene, she even has the ears!) and grows ever more unbelievable, swinging from charming host to psycho killer in a flash. But this show degenerates into farce, particularly in the scene with the 'diaper service'. I was in hysterics! A totally unbelievable character, and therefore lacking in any malice, and providing no suspense whatsoever. The rest of the movie is full of such glaring plotholes that it comes across like a cheesy TV movie, with the whole idea leaving a nasty taste.

Watch it for Tilly if nothing else. You won't forget it!!

Anne White is sleeping peacefully in a large and fabulous modern house (not my taste, but obviously expensive) while her husband Jack is apparently away on business. Her sleep is disturbed by intruders. The next day, she finds herself chained to a bed in a farmhouse, still wearing the tiny red nightie which looks more appropriate for Valentine's Day with her husband than for a night alone. I should mention that even though she changes nightgowns several times, Anne always manages to show off her legs, except in several outdoor scenes in winter.

Frank and Helen want to have a baby, but for some reason they can't. It turns out that Anne is having their baby.

Frank works in a clinic where a woman is told she is not pregnant, even though she is vomiting and has had several positive pregnancy tests. Back at the farmhouse, he calmly explains the situation to Anne, and even seems to show her concern, though he will discipline her if she misbehaves, and he often tortures her for the good of the baby (force-feeding her the right foods, for example). Sometimes he and Helen threaten her life, but then how would they have they baby?

Helen is all excited, and she is enjoying pretending to be pregnant. She even goes so far as to wear a pillow under maternity clothes, just for appearances.

Jack returns home to the horrifying news that his wife's car has gone off a cliff and burned, and the body inside cannot be identified. Without absolute proof, he refuses to believe Anne is dead. There are clues that he may be right.

The real reason to watch here is Jennifer Tilly. Her often humorous portrayal of the perky but neurotic Helen reminded me of Kitty on "That 70s Show" and Rose on "Two and a Half Men" (which I watch), and Karen on "Will and Grace" (which I don't). Sometimes Helen was calm, if not completely all there, and sometimes she went completely over the edge. She was a real delight to watch.

Vincent Gallo gave a careful portrayal of the ethically challenged medical professional, often trying to remain pleasant and concerned except when something really exasperated him.

Daryl Hannah did a capable job, moving from depressed to genuinely frightened to fighting like a demon. She did have at least one scene where she showed concern for her captors, though Anne could have been faking.

Bruce Greenwood also did a good job in the scenes where he was grieving.

I also need to single out Vanessa MaCrae, the Diaper Technician from Happy Bottoms. She reminded me of Frances McDormand's Marge in "Fargo", though I didn't like that particular character.

I wouldn't really call this movie scary, though it did have the obligatory creepy music at times.

The ending was exciting with lots of unexpected twists.

I never wanted to see "Misery", by the way, because it seemed too scary. I think I enjoyed this version more than I would that movie.

First, the title whether it is "Cord" or "Hide and Seek", is totally inadequate for a movie that is so over the top. I suggest "Mom and Dad Go Mad" as a reasonable substitute. Second, even though there are severe shortcomings in the logic department, example being the police buffoonery or hospital security, don't over analyze because it will make you crazy. Speaking of crazy, this is where the movie shines. Both Jennifer Tilly and Vincent Gallo, chew scenery, and this is the films undeniable strength. "Hide and Seek" can best be described as entertaining and unbelievable. Even if it doesn't all make sense, I recommend seeing this unusual, wonderful, "train wreck" of a movie. - MERK