Is it possible to make a movie without a single likable character? Yes. Now, is it possible that same movie can be, itself, likable? Yes. Will all of us agree that this is that movie? No. We will have to agree to disagree.
Horror movies do not tend to do well with the critical world. For one reason or another critics don't often sink down to the level of the horror film. The baser, more depraved instincts that humanity does not often like to admit exist are given free reign to rule in the world of the horror film. Why do critics at large shun the horror film? I don't know. I once suggested that maybe those who don't like horror films don't "get" it. One of the horror detractors I know turned around and asked me to explain it. I couldn't. I like horror films and I cannot give a truly solid answer why, I just do. The bigger immediate question is, do I like the one named at the top of this review? The short answer is yes. The short answer, however, does not tell the whole story.
Let me start by saying that it has been quite some time since I have viewed the Wes Craven original. That being as it is, I went into this with a pretty clean slate, no preconceptions based on the prior film. On a lesser note, I have never seen the sequel either. Now, with that out of the way, shall we move ahead?
The plot is familiar, anyone who has seen a horror film will recognize the formula. Some sort of experiment or project goes awry, some are left for dead, then, in the future, an unsuspecting family travels through the land, they are ambushed and picked off, one by one. Among the family members are the hero types who tap into an unknown strength to rise up and save the day. The reason to like or dislike the formula lies in the execution. That description also frees me from describing the plot, which, if you've seen the trailer, already know.
Article comments