Truly great horror flick...truly delivers what most do not.

Rating: 10/10 (19 March 2006)

Kudos to Wes Craven (whose movies I usually do not like) for bringing forth a horror flick that TRULY SATISFIES and pulls few punches. When the first victim falls...you DAMN well know you are in for a gore ride like few others. If you are faint of heart...why are you seeing horror flicks to begin with. Yeesh. You can take the advice of the few who are giving this film bad reviews, but I'm tellin' ya...if you miss this one on the big screen, you are definitely being sold short.
I've seen a few reviews from *gasp* shocked individuals who were too sensitive for what this film delivers. Do the world a favor...stay home next time. If you go to see a horror flick...you assume the risk. Nobody is responsible to cater to your prickly, sensitive proclivities. Get a life already.
Additionally, it's one of the few horror flicks where the unknown actors truly deliver fine acting. The young teen boy was brilliant. He sold the fear and grief he felt...like a first rate actor. It wasn't a lot of mere screaming and acting all bonkers from fear...he ran the gamut of emotions and sold you on every one. There was a real subtlety to his character that few others, I think, can pull off in a horror flick. Did anyone notice that the dad in the film is the same man who played the crazy guy in Silence of the Lambs who put the girl in the well? The voice gives it away.
Another bright actor in this flick was Brenda, the traumatized sister. She looks like a younger Reese witherspoon and really sold me on her fear. Usually you get some young teen actor who just screams and runs and acts just like all unknown actors they toss in these flicks...but not this one. She and the boy were true standouts. The other actors simply didn't shine as much.
The visuals in this movie were first rate. Forget the quick cut-a-ways in most horror flicks...Wes Craven gives you the real deal with this one. Certain scenes were very reminiscent of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre with it's ultra-high-energy "on the end of your seat" thrill rides.
If there was anything that disappointed, it was simply the same old tired lines you hear in most horror flicks. The unbelievability of..."Let's split up. You go this way...I'll go that." It never works. In real life, these people would be literally glued to each other.
I came away from this flick very satisfied. I love a good horror flick and this was one damn good horror flick. It buries the original (for those of you who didn't know it was a re-make).
I loved it...I think you will, too. :)