The Ugly American

By Lindsay Bianchi

The title of this movie makes one think of the WWF or an old western, but it’s really a Japanese ghost story.

Set in modern day Tokyo, “The Grudge” is “Lost in Translation” with teeth. The only difference is that we get Sara Michelle Geller instead of Scarlett Johannsen. Sara plays the frightened heroine. It’s a real stretch for Buffy, apparently. She looks lost and frumpy in Japan with her uncombed blonde mop.

That’s my only problem with this film, which is otherwise, a very creepy and disturbing experience. Geller’s a drag.

I can just see the executives on this project gesturing wildly about getting Sara Michelle Geller to star in their new horror film. After all, if Buffy doesn’t know horror, who does?

Wrong!

Maybe the TV show is better, but the moonfaced Geller, with her quivering lower lip does not translate onto the big screen as one might hope.

It could just be her bad wardrobe. I’m guessing, but she ruined an otherwise cool thriller with her phoned-in performance. “Hi. This is Buffy. I’m not here right now. I’m acting.”

Even Bill Pullman, in his small role was more interesting than she was...Bill Pullman!

The real treat for horror fans is the ghosts. The apparitions are handled with imagination and a real understanding of what’s scary.

Apparently, the same two Japanese actors reprise their roles from the original.

They bring the goods. Therein lies the problem. Sara needs to be freaked out more.

A ghost calls on the phone and she stares at the receiver in her hand like it’s MCI calling. “Sorry...wrong number.”

Still, the story and the trip to Japan can be enjoyed along with their eerie sense for creating dead souls and a fear of dark corners.

This movie will get under your skin a bit. There are more than just jumps in your seat here.

I don’t want to say much more about the set-up, unless it’s to inform you - the less you know, the better.

Just beware of creepy, little Japanese boys popping up here and there.

It only means that things are about to get weird!