This movie was about as exciting as trimming the cuticles on your fingernails. It was so predictable you wanted to say ‘Helllloooo ... wake up woman!' Between the unexplained water dripping constantly from the floor above to the noises in the empty apartment, really, give me a friggin break.
It all starts when Dahlia, with daughter in tow, rents a new apartment. She's got a new job, she's split from the hubby, things should be better. But, there is that apartment above hers. The apartment that is supposed to be vacant. Insert scary music now for your own pleasure. As the story progresses, her life goes in the opposite direction. The ex wants custody of their daughter, they threaten to let her go at her job, and the dang water continues to drip.
Naturally, since she has apparently never seen an actual scary movie, Dahlia goes to investigate the empty apartment on her own. Waves of memories blast her as she remembers her own childhood ... b-o-r-i-n-g ... Frankly, as the story wears on, I kinda hope she loses custody of her daughter and on top of that, I hope she loses her job too. Maybe she can go play in the apartment upstairs with Natasha. Really, who gives a flying rats patootie what happens to her?
The scenery was dark and dense and offered no suspense in the movie. The story wasn't the least bit original and the whole thing was just kinda blah. The participants in this less than stellar production are Jennifer Connelly in a role that left me wishing I hadn't popped an entire bag of popcorn. She plays Dahlia, newly divorced and apparently walking around with a bag full of secrets. John C. Reilly plays the apartment manager who always promises things ‘will get taken care of', and Camryn Manheim plays little Celica's teacher.
This was directed by Walter Salles, written by Hideo Nakata from the novel by Koji Suzuki. Don't be surprised when I tell you there were no awards for this production.
Thanks, Susi
Recommended:
No
|