Carrie Review
RYAN: This is the remake of the 1976 horror classic, based on Stephen King’s first novel, which is really taking on an iconic staple of the horror genre.
CAROLINE: I never read the book and the original film, you know, is my scariest movie of all time. I can’t believe they remade it. How was it?
RYAN: It’s totally rad! I like it so much better than the original. I liked the original but it didn’t scare me the way it did you, aside from the fact that Piper Laurie as the mom was super creepy, and religious-crazed. Then, of course she went on to play Aunt Em in 1985’s Return to Ozwhich really threw me for a loop.
CAROLINE: [laughs] In this new one it’s Julianne Moore as the mom. How’d she do?
RYAN: OMG She’s brilliant. No make-up, religious zealotry in full effect. She plays such a crazy, wicked character. She’s the real monster in the movie, well, and the school bullies.
CAROLINE: Yeah it’s really timely that way, isn’t it? Bullying has been around forever but has garnered a lot more attention and sympathy in recent years. How does that theme play out?
RYAN: So well. It’s aggravating because I remember being bullied and because of it, I found myself rooting for Carrie and the terror she brings down on them. I wish every bullied kid could have a secret power of protection.
CAROLINE: Well maybe not to harm others.
RYAN: No of course; but the general idea of revenge here is intense. And she’s just pushed to her breaking point.
CAROLINE: How is Chloe in the titular role?
RYAN: She’s nuanced and subtle. The hair, makeup and costumes all work together with her performance. It’s understated and then she takes some joy in honing her telekinetic skills. It’s really a very different Carrie than Sissy Spacek’s.
CAROLINE: That’s refreshing. It can’t be easy taking on an iconic role.
RYAN: No it must be intimidating and everyone’s gonna compare. But I think this movie as a whole works much differently. What was creepy and thrilling in the original all still plays really well in this one but then the changes and updates just enhance the story. I really liked it.
CAROLINE: I’m glad.
RYAN: The thing is, it’s not really too scary. It’s more sad than anything else. It’s sad that Carrie experienced such a dreadful life and then, of course, we all know the ending, so that’s just sad too. But it’s still bloody and creepy. It works well. It’s like a sci fi thriller with a bucket of blood, so we call it horror.
CAROLINE: How was the blood?
RYAN: It’s perfect. The direction is really good too. Even the very first shot puts you on edge. And the sound mixing is outstanding.
CAROLINE: We love Judy Greer. She plays the teacher, right?
RYAN: She’s fabulous and well-suited here because she makes you feel like she’s a teacher who might have been bullied, herself, and just gets it.
CAROLINE: I’m actually surprised you liked it this much. It’s such a challenge overcoming an iconic classic.
RYAN: On it’s own, it’s a very strong work of great entertainment with a message and incredible details and performances. It even makes me wanna read the novel – the original never inspired that in me before.
CAROLINE: Wow okay then. I might not have the courage, like you, to see it in the theater but I must admit you’ve intrigued me quite a bit.
RYAN: Forget it’s a remake. Most kids today never even saw the original anyway. Do yourself a favor and leave any preconceived notions at the door and just enjoy it for what it is – a very good, new horror movie; maybe someday a classic in its own right.
