Pretty decent horror flick

Rating: 7/10 (13 March 2006)

Having never seen the original movie, I didn't really know what to expect from this new version. But I have to say that this is a horror movie that will send most people home happy.
The first half hour or so is a little slow, building up the story and, to a certain extent, the characters. Although horrors aren't exactly known for strong characters. Eventually after around 30 minutes or so it all kicks off and we're bang in horror country as knives, guns and pickaxes are used in a bloodbath between good and evil.
The acting is decent throughout the film, even if there aren't any stand-out performances, but then again you don't expect Oscar winning performances in a gory horror. There are some problems though, such as some characters suddenly being killed off before we barely know who they are. As well as that there are some moments early on where the family don't really seem to realise the situation (being stranded in the middle of nowhere) they are in. And God knows what the old guy is on about at the gas station, his part in the film is never really explained properly. But these are all minor nitpicks as the action more than makes up for the minor plot and character flaws.
So overall, an above average horror movie, which has a likeness to 'Wrong Turn'.