Posted: 02/28/2005

Cursed

(2005)

by Anna Keizer

Are there werewolves in LA? Anyone who works in Hollywood would probably smirk at that question and reply that they know of a few monsters in town. I’m not sure if Kevin Williamson (of Scream fame) meant his script to be a commentary on particular individuals in Tinsel Town, but regardless he and director Wes Craven create a tale that is more humorous than horrific. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though.

It begins conventionally enough. Ellie (Ricci) and her little brother, Jimmy (Eisenberg), are cruising along Mulholland Drive one night and get into a car accident. As they try to help the other driver out of her SUV, a vicious animal snatches the girl away and in the confusion both siblings are injured by the mysterious creature. Wouldn’t you know it? By the next day they’re craving raw meat and howling in the moonlight. To say the least, there really aren’t any surprises in this movie. If you like your horror flicks to give you chills and screams, this is not the one for you. On the other hand, there are a few gems of dialogue and funny moments woven throughout this otherwise typical scary movie.

Two definite highlights are the performances by Jesse Eisenberg and Judy Greer. While the rest of the cast simply phone in their parts, these two actors dive into their roles with relish. Eisenberg masters the angst and awkwardness typical of your “nerd in high school” character. Greer, who has been extremely consistent in her other roles (Jawbreaker, What Women Want, The Village), once again turns out a thoroughly enjoyable performance as the bitch you want to hate but have to admit that you kind of like.

Cursed is amusing- no more, no less. A horror movie it is not. An analogy on how Hollywood has its fair share of monsters and scary creatures? Perhaps.

Anna Keizer is a film critic and screenwriter in Los Angeles.

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