A mixed blessing

Rating: 8/10 (2 November 2004)

I've been hesitant to write a review for this film, as I had to wait for it to become available on DVD to get a chance to see it a few more times. I love the dead films. This one has a special spot, as it is not an improvement really, but it isn't worse than the original either. The debate over slow v fast dead, about how this isn't really much of a remake...all of that is valid, but it doesn't wind up contributing to how good the movie is. Dead movies are not about how good they are in the traditional sense. It's more about thinking through the scenario, considering what you would do in these situations. There are a few weaknesses which make me dislike the movie. Some sequences move a little slow, which is partly because of the 90s style horror script. Characters are too witty, and in an effort to be 'realistic,' the negative traits are made to be overwhelmingly obvious. Please - despite what you've heard, horror fans would like complex characters, especially if their deaths in a film are going to mean anything. And the ending during the credits left a bad taste in my mouth. By leaving a definitive ending, it destroys the creative audience opportunity to speculate. Some of the MTV-style direction is annoying. Some of it works effectively, notably during the opening credits. It's a good watch, especially if you are a fan of the genre. Otherwise, one could take or leave it.