Review of Hide and Seek (2005) by Dalton H — 09 Oct 2008
The most frustrating aspect of Hide & Seek is the fact that it could've been great. Robert DeNiro, who's been in a sleepwalking style of acting since God knows when, actually shows up for this.
Dakota Fanning goes a darker route, opting for sullen moodiness and emo-lite brooding. The story, about a father and daughter David (DeNiro) and Emily( Fanning) who move into a cabin in the middle of the woods after David's wife commits suicide.
The film has potential, obviously, as it had the chance for some fine drama hidden among the thriller elements that spring up when Emily encounters "Charlie" a ghost of sorts who causes mischief by pushing poor Elisabeth Shue out the window.
It's too bad the script adheres so rigidly to its genre, as every move that is made throughout this lukewarm thriller is predicted and expected before it even happens and the supposed "twist" near the end is already figured out by the time it comes to pass.
While it may be technically proficient, with DeNiro and especially Fanning, who provides enough depth to be taking seriously, give good performances. Unfortunately, Hide & Seek is undone by the stale air of the plot and it's seen-a-mile-away plot-twist.
It may be OK, but it could have been more.
This review of Hide and Seek (2005) was written by Dalton H on 09 Oct 2008.
Hide and Seek has generally received mixed reviews.
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