THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT
RYAN: “The Last House on the Left” is a remake of Wes Craven’s first ever horror film which opened to much controversy in 1972.
CAROLINE: I had to sit this one out due to its hard R rating and violence described and “sadistic” and “brutal.” Not to mention a graphic rape scene.
RYAN: That’s definitely an accurate description, but it’s one of the best scary movies I’ve ever seen in my life!
CAROLINE: The trailer was awesome, and I kind of wanted to see it, but I was worried the movie would disturb me too much. What made it so good?
RYAN: The quality, the acting and the casting were all great, as was the script and the direction. It is quite disturbing, but hello – it’s a horror movie. Don’t we expect that?
CAROLINE: Of course, but I’ve never heard a movie’s violence called “brutal” and “sadistic” before. I tend to avoid movies like this, “Hostel,” etc.
RYAN: I hear you, but I must be somewhat desensitized to that stuff by now. What makes this horror movie so much better than most is the cast: Monica Potter, Tony Goldwyn and Sara Paxton, who the kids will remember as a mermaid in “Aquamarine.” You really care about these characters, which makes the movie all the more compelling.
CAROLINE: I really like those actors and part of me wants to see this movie; but given that I don’t love horror flicks in general, I’m not sure I can stomach it. Is the violence as violent as they describe?
RYAN: Yes. The first half of the film is just as scary as one of our all-time scariest movies, “Funny Games.” The second half is also horrific, but there’s a sense of justice for the characters we like, so it’s a little bit of a twist on the genre. I also loved the score; unlike most horror movies, this one is bright and upbeat at times.
CAROLINE: Is it going to rake in the big bucks this weekend?
RYAN: I certainly hope so. It’s produced as well as any great drama; it just happens to be a horror movie. And though I am reluctant, I can’t help but say the bad guys are hot.
— BOTTOM LINE —
RYAN: It’s an outstanding film, which is hard to say about any movie of this genre. It’s a better quality scary movie than anything else that comes to mind. It’s a must for anyone who likes horror flicks. My friend, Gant, with whom I attended the screening, saw the original and said this version is pretty faithful to it, aside from some key differences. It kinda makes me want to see the original.
— RATING —
