Sadako Vs Kayako Review
With Rings due to descend into cinemas this Halloween it’s only fitting that we return to its source material as Sadako gets another outing. This time around though she’s got competition from another familiar face of J-horror, Kayako of The Grudge fame.
Sadako Vs Kayako was first birthed as a fake trailer for April Fools Day. However, after people failed to realise it was a joke and started to get excited by the premise, the studios saw money signs and hired Kôji Shiraishi to write and direct. Shiraishi then had the unenviable task of bringing the biggest Japanese smack-down since Kong fought Godzilla.
Both series of films have been around for years now and have become rather stagnant. By combining the two they’ve created something fresh to rejuvenate the franchise. Furthermore, thanks to events within, there could be more films in the pipeline.
When we first heard that this film existed we thought we had the story pegged. Surely it would be simply that someone moves into the house of The Grudge and watches the video of The Ring whilst inside. Then both ghost girls would stalk the victim before getting into a turf war over her soul. In reality the story is much more complex than that, perhaps unnecessarily so. Instead of our concept we get two separate stories – a Ring and Grudge film unfolding side by side.
Then through the world’s oddest exorcist – it’s all in his hands folks – the two stories are joined together. He decides the best way to stop Sadako is by introducing her to another ferocious ghoul – Kayako.
Sadako Vs Kayako Review
Sadly the titular bout doesn’t last that long and it’s a slightly unfair battle if we’re honest, given that Kayako cannot stand. She shouldn’t be ruled out however, as she has Toshio and all his frightening cat noises as backup. The big question is obviously who wins? But we won’t spoil the result. We will say though that it’s not as straightforwards as you think.
Prominently a Ring film, the Grudge element is squandered. Kaysko and Toshio only really pop up to offer some scary moments while the days are counted down to Sadako appearing to claim her victim.
The film is also filled with odd moments of humour, some of which may or may not be intentional. There’s a scene in a video shop that definitely plays with its tongue firmly in cheek, much to the audiences delight. Attempts later on fail to land as well and have you scratching your head about whether you were really meant to laugh or not.
Don’t leave before the end credits have finished as there’s a post-credits sting. Yes, ever since Marvel started it, everything gets a post-credits spot. Sadly there’s no Nick Fury or Ironman, but it’ll have you thinking twice about whether you really need to prepare for that meeting in two days time…
Despite some shortcomings, it is easily the best versus film we’ve seen recently, though when the competition is Alien Versus Predator and Freddy Versus Jason that unfortunately doesn’t say much. However, with it offering a new direction for both franchises, with potential ties to the forthcoming film Rings, Sadako Versus Kayako is exactly what fans want.
