Okay, horror fans, I’m not gonna lie, “The Grudge” (2020) had me reaching for the fast-forward button more than the popcorn. And as someone who can usually find something to appreciate in even the most questionable horror flicks, let me tell you, this movie was a struggle to get through. It’s like they took a bunch of horror tropes, threw them in a blender with a half-eaten bag of stale candy corn, and hit “puree.” The result? A bland, uninspired mess that’s more forgettable than my New Year’s resolutions (and let’s be real, my memory is about as reliable as a goldfish).
Now, I always try to approach remakes and reboots with an open mind. I believe every movie deserves a chance to stand on its own, even if it’s based on a beloved classic. But “The Grudge” (2020) just doesn’t cut it. It’s like they tried to create a horror movie by following a paint-by-numbers guide, and they forgot to add the paint. The only thing that even remotely sparked my interest was seeing John Cho in the cast. I’ve always been a fan of his work, but even his talent couldn’t save this cinematic shipwreck.
The plot, if you can even call it that, is a convoluted jumble of jump scares, creepy noises, and underdeveloped characters. We’re introduced to a group of people who become entangled with a cursed house, but their stories are so disjointed and uninteresting that I found myself rooting for the ghosts. Seriously, the ghosts had more personality than the actual characters! The scares are predictable, the pacing is as uneven as a cobblestone street, and the overall execution is about as exciting as watching a snail marathon.
And the characters? Don’t even get me started. They’re so bland and forgettable that I couldn’t even remember their names by the time the credits rolled. It’s like they were plucked from a horror movie stereotype generator and given a one-way ticket to Snoozeville. They’re the kind of characters you’d forget even if they jumped out and screamed “Boo!” in your face.
The film relies heavily on cheap thrills and gore, but it lacks the psychological tension and atmospheric dread that make a truly effective horror movie. It’s like they tried to compensate for a lack of substance with a bucket of fake blood and a sound effects library downloaded from the internet. The result? A horror movie that’s about as scary as a fluffy bunny rabbit.
And the Grudge itself? While visually creepy, it feels less menacing and more like a disgruntled spirit who just needs a good night’s sleep and a cup of chamomile tea. It’s like the filmmakers forgot to give the Grudge a personality, a motive, or anything remotely interesting. It just sort of floats around, making creepy noises and occasionally popping out to say “Boo!” (And not even a very convincing “Boo!” at that.)
The ending? Oh, the ending. Let’s just say it’s as predictable as a rom-com wedding scene. It’s like they took the most obvious horror movie tropes, threw them in a hat, and pulled one out at random. The result? An ending that’s about as satisfying as a soggy piece of toast. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to throw your popcorn at the screen and yell, “You call that an ending?! I’ve seen scarier things in my sock drawer!”
So, if you’re looking for a genuinely terrifying horror experience, I’d recommend looking elsewhere. There are plenty of other horror movies out there that will actually make you scream, jump, and maybe even sleep with the lights on for a few nights. But as for “The Grudge” (2024)? Save your time and your sanity. This movie is more likely to make you yawn than scream. It’s the kind of movie you’ll forget you even watched five minutes after it’s over.
And hey, if you’re looking for a good scare, check out some of my other horror movie reviews. I promise they won’t disappoint (unlike this movie). I’ve got reviews that will make your heart race, your palms sweat, and your spine tingle. So, ditch the “Grudge” and dive into some real horror! You won’t regret it.
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Watch or Order The Grudge (2020) here!
Rated: R (USA)
Runtime: 94 minutes
Release Date: December 31, 2019 (Indonesia)
January 3, 2020 (United States)
My rating: 3.5 Mainasty Masterpieces
| Directed by | Nicolas Pesce |
|---|---|
| Screenplay by | Nicolas Pesce |
| Story by | Nicolas Pesce Jeff Buhler |
| Based on | Ju-On: The Grudge by Takashi Shimizu |
| Produced by | Sam Raimi Rob Tapert Takashige Ichise |
| Starring | Andrea Riseborough Demián Bichir John Cho Betty Gilpin Lin Shaye Jacki Weaver |
| Cinematography | Zachary Galler |
| Edited by | Gardner Gould Ken Blackwell |
| Music by | The Newton Brothers |
