Hollywood has been lacking in the scary, horror movie department as of late. It has been putting out mediocre, stupid/scary movies — like "The Grudge" — rather than those in the league of "Halloween."

"Hide and Seek," billed as a horror film, showed promise, but ultimately joined the list of movies of mediocre caliber.

Robert De Niro plays David Callaway, a psychologist who has to learn to cope with his wife's suicide. He worries about his daughter Emily's (played by Dakota Fanning) reaction to her mother's death and decides they both need a new start.

The Callaways move from a luxurious Central Park apartment to a secluded upstate New York home against the wishes of Emily's therapist, Katherine (played by Famke Janssen).

David finds he has more to worry about when Emily gains friendship from an imaginary friend named Charlie and learns their neighbors have something to hide. David is also haunted by dreams and the exact time of his wife's death.

Strange things begin to happen and Charlie is the one receiving the blame. The most difficult question for David is whether Charlie is truly a figment of Emily's imagination or if there is a real person to blame, and she won't tell.

There is a real twist to the ending, but will remain under wraps.

The plot of the story is intricate and starts off well, but as it progresses there are too many twists. The audience is waiting for something to unfold and the tension level is high, but nothing happens. The ending also runs along the same lines as another recent movie, which is either a way to recycle the idea or a fun way to plagiarize.

De Niro and Fanning spend most of the time on screen, and their chemistry is good in a way that is acceptable for a detached father and daughter.

However, De Niro's David is more detached from the entire movie as a whole. What kind of parent moves their child to an isolated house — for their health — and then spends a majority of their time in their office with headphones on?

Fanning has been billed as one of the best up and coming child stars in recent years. It is her first time in a thriller and she does a good job. She still has room to grow, but she plays Emily to the best of her abilities. With her usually blonde hair dyed a dark brown, she takes on a sort of gaunt, alien-like look that is perfect for the creepy, almost possessed character.

Charlie is possibly the best character in the movie, until he makes his "appearance." His goal in life is to make David's life unbearable. The little accents of Charlie's presence in the Callaway house — the photos with David ripped out and Emily's drawings — add to the scenery, but not the story.

Grade: C

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on Feb. 3 2005.