Guide Note

The Grudge Movies are American remakes of the Japanese "Ju-On: The Grudge" horror films about a curse born from a persons death in the midst of pure rage or extreme sadness. The curse consumes everyone who encounters it.

Fast Facts

The Grudge

1. Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jason Behr, KaDee Strickland, Clea DuVall, and Bill Pullman
2. Director: Takashi Shimizu
3. Producers: Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert
4. Release date: October 22, 2004

The Grudge 2

1. Starring: Amber Tamblyn, Arielle Kebbel, Jennifer Beals, Edison Chen, Sarah Roemer, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Jenna Dewan
2. Director: Takashi Shimizu
3. Producers: Roy Lee, Sam Raimi, and Robert Tapert
4. Release date: October 13, 2006
5. Followed by: The Grudge 3 -2008

As a movie, this isn't much, but as an excuse to clutch someone's hand in a darkened theater or to let out an occasional yelp, it works well enough. Generally speaking, I like a little more plot with my "Boo!" moments, but for those who aren't quite as picky, The Grudge may fit the bill. — The Grunge — ReelViews

The curse never dies, and with "The Grudge 2" scaring up a solid $22 million in its opening frame, expect theaters to be visited by still more nonsensical installments in this intermittently scary series. Pic already marks the sixth time director Takashi Shimizu has exploited the same gimmick of a ghostly mother and child who hunt down anyone foolish enough to trespass inside their Tokyo house. This time, however, Sarah Michelle Gellar (who helped drive the 2004 remake to a $39 million opening) appears just long enough to ensure she won't be back. — The Grunge 2 — Variety