Hide and Seek (DVD, 2005, Widescreen)

It's easy to disguise eleven year-old Dakota Fanning's silky strawberry tresses under a goth-black wig. But one might think that hiding her remarkable acting talents would be a bit more difficult. That's exactly what has happened with Hide and Seek. Fannning plays a character named Emily who finds her world shattered after the suicide of her mother (Amy Irving). Understandably, Emily withdraws into an emotional shell and never utters much more than a few sentences for the remainder of the film. What isn't understandable however is the choice to waste the talents of one of Hollywood's hottest and most accomplished child actors in a role that calls for her character to walk around in a wide-eyed trance-like state. It might have made more sense to enlist the services of an up-and-comer with a less known reputation for charming the pants off anyone who watches her perform.

Borrowing a similar set-up to many earlier horror plots, Emily's father, David (Robert DeNiro) moves her to a new home in a rather isolated community in hopes of avoiding any reminders of their traumatic event. But shortly after moving into their new house, Emily develops an imaginary friend named Charlie. She blames a recent spate of horrific and deadly events on Charlie, but despite Emily's insistence, her father isn't quite ready to believe that Charlie is a real person as she adamantly insists.

As events play out, it becomes evident that the entire story is evolving for the sole purpose of delivering the big unexpected twist. But by the time the deception finally arrives, not only have we already figured it out, but also the film has worn out its welcome with an endless tirade of loud noises, rapid jump cuts, shattering glass, and –I'm not kidding here - the obligatory cat that leaps from behind a closed door. Director John Polson and screenwriter Ari Schlossberg should know from the films they've emulated, that true psychological horror comes from what we feel rather than from what we see or
hear.

Honestly, do any of us think that anything with Robert DeNiro will not be, at least, good?? Well, once again he doesn't disappoint. -- In an effort to rescue his daughter from what is seeming to be an exceptionally painful trauma of her mother's suicide, DeNiro (the father) takes his daughter (Dakota Fanning) to live far away in a rural woods suburb. Heavily isolated and peaceful. Expecting the move may begin to help her move past the trauma and begin to lay the foundations of her new life. As a psychologist himself, DeNiro's character feels he is absolutely certain as to the positive outcomes. -- BUT?? Once moved in, it's everything but helpful as his daughter begins a daily ritual of "Hide-and-Seek" games with an imaginary friend named "Charlie" that only she can see. Odd characters begin to reveal themselves and play into DeNiro's life. Desperate to help his daughter, DeNiro plunges deep into the abyss of what he believes is his daughter's mental disintegration. But is she? Or does she know more than he does? -- The cat-and-mouse game is played to a horrifying confrontation, as the mystery deepens, "Charlie" refuses to go away....and even the mother's suicide comes into question. -- A HUGE plot twist is revealed and it all comes horrifyingly full circle. Is anyone really being saved? Or is this all a descendiary fall into madness? Everything is game in this suspense-taut thrill-ride. Dakota Fanning really sells this movie so hard that she nearly steals the tension right from under DeNiro....which is saying something. Honestly, the plot is extremely believable and realistic. It could be easy to see how a trauma could have led to this and that is what it hits home here. This could happen....to you !!!! SEE THIS !!!! You won't be disappointed. I assure you !!!!

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Hide and Seek revolves around a widower (Robert DeNiro) and his daughter (Dakota Fanning). They move to upstate and Emily (Fanning) soon creates an imaginary friend named Charlie...but this act takes an unexpected and terrifying turn, where her father and doctor (Famke Janssen) start to worry about Emily's gruesome habits.

One Great Movie, With a supprise ending...that will shock you or make you say WOW....A must for your DVD collection...Robert DeNiro and Dakota Fanning are outstanding.....
(Mrs. puman)

If you love suspense, you'll love this!!!

Dakota Fanning is incredible as usual and Robert De Niro is awesome as her mourning father.

Mini Plot Summary:
Fanning and De Niro move to the country after the death of De Niros wife. Although a slow starter, once Fanning meets Charlie (her imaginary friend) the action really picks up.

Final Verdict:

3/5

Rent or Buy?: I've seen this movie twice and enjoyed it both times. That being said I don't feel the urge to watch this movie over and over again. Rent it once or twice, but buying it isn't necessary.


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I was very surprised by the twist at the end of this edge of your seat thriller, however my Partner had it figured out before the movie was half over..usually it's the other way around..Robert Deniro as usual delivers a stellar performance as a head shrink who's Wifes untimely death throws his young Daughter into a strange state..as her invisible Friend (Charlie) makes himself known strange things begin to happen can both Father and Daughter be saved or are they both doomed to live their entire lives in evil darkness?..Watch this fun roller coaster of a ride film to it's final conclusion..and if you get a chance be sure to check out the various alternate endings offered on the dvd..I give this movie 5 out of 5 bars!!