A worthy remake, finally.

Rating: 10/10 (15 June 2007)

The Hills Have Eyes is a shock a minute thriller directed by Alexandre Aja. His modern adaptation of Wes Craven's original has had audiences around the world horror struck and terrorized.
The Hills Have Eyes follows a family traveling cross country from Cleveland to California. Big Bob and Ethel Carter are celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary along with their kids and their daughter's fiancé and toddler. Naturally, being a horror movie, the get some bad directions and are catapulted into a forsaken 50's nuclear testing zone. Slowly but surely they realize that there are people living in the hills of the sharp, edgy landscape, and all hell ensues. This is a survival film, and how one family invades another's territory; they just happen to be radioactive, cannibal mutants.
This film throws real characters into a beyond belief situation, which some people may find difficult to trust. But for those who are just interested in a good, gripping movie, then this is it. The characters in this feature bring compassion and drive. In particular Doug (Aaron Stanford), a whimsical, spineless, Democrat who provides comic relief when necessary. His relationship with his wife and toddler, Catherine, is one to be admired and is the over all force in the film. He is a character who grows and develops from being the coward we laugh at to being the heroic and intrepid character we cheer for. Stanford's all out performance brought tears to my eyes and gave me goosebumps.
His gripping performance is supported by two upcoming young actors, Emilie DeRavin and Dan Byrd,. They play the young adolescent siblings who still get embarrassed by their father's singing. They create another reason why we want this family to survive. Bobby (Byrd)is a lovable teen who only wants the best for his family and is torn between his father's ways and those of Doug. Brenda (DeRavin) is an average teenager who just wants to spend her summer with her friends at the beach. Their realistic acting intensify the story.
This movie is savage, brutal, but also very moving. This is due to an excellent cast, magnificent special effects, interesting script and creative directing. The Hills Have Eyes is probably one of the only remakes that has more of a psychological impact than the original. Wes Craven should be proud.
I recommend this movie to those who aren't afraid of blood or mutants. This movie I guarantee will have you scared out of your wits.