Why are little girls so creepy? I mean, in suspense movies children are creepy in general but why do little girls seem more so? Are people just naturally afraid of children? Is it some sub-conscious thing? Am I thinking too much into this? Most likely. <i>Hide and Seek</i> continues the lovely tradition of using a creepy girl to freak you out. More disturbingly is the fact that this little girl is Dakota Fanning, the perfect pip-squeak from <i>The Cat in the Hat</i>. And trust me, the girl is scary.
Following the sudden suicide of his wife, psychiatrist David Calloway (Robert De Niro) moves himself and daughter Emily (Fanning) to upstate New York in order for Emily to “get a fresh start,” much to the chagrin of friend, Katherine (Famke Janssen). However things start simple enough, except for Emily’s sudden affliction to a new friend, Charlie. In order to circumvent his daughter’s further seclusion, David seeks the assistance of local Elizabeth (Elisabeth Shue) for companionship. “Charlie” doesn’t like this and suddenly things start getting crazy.
Sadly, the film is very predictable. So predictable, I can’t mention the most recent comparable movie without giving away who Charlie is. For the casual theater-goer this may not be too much of a hang-up, but it does take a bit away from the film. It really just takes some paying attention in order to figure it out.
But predictability aside, Dakota Fanning is simply amazing. She shows a depth of character that is almost unreal for an actress of her age. She appears ten years older, especially with subtle smiles and mysterious eyes. The make-up helps too, giving her a stare like she hasn’t slept in months. De Niro does a decent job as well, although much too subdued through most of it. The supporting cast is really just there for victims and red herrings.
Director John Polson does a grand job of keeping us in suspense. Also, he keeps us second guessing every motive of every character. Luckily, brief flashbacks keep you interested after you realize who “Charlie” is. Long hallways, dark basements, and unsettling music combine to create a truly suspenseful film.
It’s just too predictable.
That one big gripe aside, it’s a really good film. See it just to watch Dakota Fanning in one of the most tortured characters on screen in a while. It really becomes kind of heart-breaking once you realize what is happening. But I can't really say you would be missing anything special unless you feel like being freaked out for two hours.
3 OUT OF FOUR STARS
Overall Summary- Um… creepy but predictable. Dakota Fanning is great, De Niro is okay. Johnny Depp does a much better job in the role.
Following the sudden suicide of his wife, psychiatrist David Calloway (Robert De Niro) moves himself and daughter Emily (Fanning) to upstate New York in order for Emily to “get a fresh start,” much to the chagrin of friend, Katherine (Famke Janssen). However things start simple enough, except for Emily’s sudden affliction to a new friend, Charlie. In order to circumvent his daughter’s further seclusion, David seeks the assistance of local Elizabeth (Elisabeth Shue) for companionship. “Charlie” doesn’t like this and suddenly things start getting crazy.
Sadly, the film is very predictable. So predictable, I can’t mention the most recent comparable movie without giving away who Charlie is. For the casual theater-goer this may not be too much of a hang-up, but it does take a bit away from the film. It really just takes some paying attention in order to figure it out.
But predictability aside, Dakota Fanning is simply amazing. She shows a depth of character that is almost unreal for an actress of her age. She appears ten years older, especially with subtle smiles and mysterious eyes. The make-up helps too, giving her a stare like she hasn’t slept in months. De Niro does a decent job as well, although much too subdued through most of it. The supporting cast is really just there for victims and red herrings.
Director John Polson does a grand job of keeping us in suspense. Also, he keeps us second guessing every motive of every character. Luckily, brief flashbacks keep you interested after you realize who “Charlie” is. Long hallways, dark basements, and unsettling music combine to create a truly suspenseful film.
It’s just too predictable.
That one big gripe aside, it’s a really good film. See it just to watch Dakota Fanning in one of the most tortured characters on screen in a while. It really becomes kind of heart-breaking once you realize what is happening. But I can't really say you would be missing anything special unless you feel like being freaked out for two hours.
3 OUT OF FOUR STARS
Overall Summary- Um… creepy but predictable. Dakota Fanning is great, De Niro is okay. Johnny Depp does a much better job in the role.
