One of the biggest debates in film, most notably in the horror genre, is the one over remakes/reboots of some film classics. Just the other day, I noticed a series of tweets where they were debating over if the new Halloween (2018) film was a remake, a reboot, or a sequel. I can't really say anything about that, since I have yet to see it and don't have an opinion on it. What I can talk about, however, is that I recently watched a film said to be a classic, The Invisible Man, and I can say this as an absolute fact: I wished it were set in modern day, I wished it were scary, and I wished it wasn't just so god awful. Yes, I respect that the film is a classic, but the script was just so hokey and so old fashioned...that it definitely wouldn't get the audience that it once had in today's cinemas. That's where this idea came to me. What about the other horror films that have been remade or rebooted in recent years?
There have been many horror movies remade in recent years, most notably are the ones in the image above (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Friday the 13th), and there are many more on the way (The Grudge, IT, Pet Semetary, Suspiria). But we need to understand, just what is the reasoning behind this? Is it for a quick cash grab or is it for the reason I want to see remakes? I honestly think it goes both ways. Some studios want to get more people in the seats to see their films (the Hellraiser franchise comes to mind...even though those are all direct to video these days) and are really for a quick buck, made for a very small amount of money, hoping people will watch just because of the franchise name. Other filmmakers actually take pride in their work, it would seem, actually caring about the franchise names and putting their hearts into it, making it stand on it's own or actually seem terrifying. Now I could go on all day about this debate, but instead, I'll talk about my top 5 horror remakes/reboots! Buckle up....
#5 Dawn of the Dead (2004)
In 2004 director Zack Snyder (Man of Steel, Batman V Superman, Watchmen, 300) took on the daunting task of remaking one of the best horror films of all time, Dawn of the Dead. He took on a cast that included Sarah Polley, Ving Rhaimes, Jake Weber and, at the time, a very popular Mehki Phifer. When I initially heard about this movie coming out as a teenager, I didn't think it would be very good, since I was already a mega fan of the original George Romero movie of the same name. I was already feeling pretty gloomy, because I didn't know what to expect. What I got, instead, was a gore filled masterpiece of film-making. Zack Snyder made a badass version of the film that really took it into the mainstream for new audiences. The thing that really shocked me was the fact these zombies RAN instead of shuffled along mindlessly. That upped the thrilling and terrifying aspect that you couldn't just escape by walking by them. This swarm of undead could hunt you...and that made it so much more than the original.
#4 The Amityville Horror (2005)
In 2005 we were treated to another remake of a classic horror film, The Amityville Horror. Starring Melissa George and Ryan Reynolds, it wasn't a modern take on the classic film, however, it was a re-imagining in a way of the old classic. Filled with jump scares, some interesting special effects, and a lovable Ryan Reynolds that goes bad, being oppressed and somewhat possessed by the evil house, we see basically the first film all over again, just updated. I personally really liked the movie, I felt some of the performances of the children were really well done, the scares were really good, and Ryan Reynolds was fantastic as George Lutz. The only thing I really disliked was the length of the film, where it could've benefited by a longer run time and a slower burn. When compared to the original film, it really doesn't compare, but for this list, it's definitely in my top 5 remakes.
#3 Rob Zombie's Halloween (2007)
When compiling a list of horror remakes, you just can't ignore the fact that Rob Zombie made a visceral, bloody, horrifyingly violent version of the classic John Carpenter slasher film, Halloween. What Carpenter did in the late 70's was bring the slasher films out into the spotlight, giving birth to other classic villains in the genre (Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, Ghost Face, etc.) This one, however, wasn't just a remake. Rob Zombie put his signature touch on everything from the musical score, to the violence and depravity he was known for in his other features. The cast is alright, but the real standout was Michael Myers himself, just being the ultra violent monster that Zombie wanted audiences to fear. I feel like this movie is nowhere near as good as the original, but it does stand on it's own as one of the best remakes ever and is probably thanks to this movie that we're getting a proper Halloween sequel this year.
#2 Evil Dead (2013)
In 2013, director Fede Alvarez brought to us a horrifying new vision of the Evil Dead franchise. Not really a remake or reboot, Alvarez brought together a violent, gory, and definitely disgusting vision of Hell and demonic possession that grossed out audiences and brought Evil Dead back to the mainstream. We recently had a TV series starring everyone's favorite Ash, Bruce Campbell...that was also recently cancelled (WHY!? IT WAS GOOD!) but this film really put the horror back into the franchise. The unrated director's cut adds way more gore and scares into the film, and is definitely deserving of the number 2 spot on my favorite remakes list. Recently on Twitter, Fede Alvarez had a poll of what movie to make next and, as expected, most people are begging for a sequel to his Evil Dead film. I certainly want to see it and cannot wait to experience it. Another great film Fede Alvarez made was Don't Breathe, which was an intense thriller. This director is definitely going places.
#1 The Thing (1982)
I bet you weren't expecting this one! Director John Carpenter made an absolute horror/sci-fi masterpiece in the early 80's, based on a film from 1951 called The Thing From Another World (which was actually on the TV in a scene from his 1978 film, Halloween...interesting connection). This remake is one of the best films ever made, combining intense sequences of suspense and mystery with conventional body horror effects and a monster that is out of this world. We also get to see Kurt Russell in one of the best performances he has ever given. The Thing is not only my favorite remake ever made (we're going to ignore that "prequel" movie from 2011...) but is definitely one of my favorite films of all time. Carpenter's vision, his score, and his cast are all brilliant. You definitely need to check this one out if you haven't already!
And there's my list! What are your top 5 horror remakes? Let me know via Twitter (@EnzosReviews) or comment and follow this blog. Thanks for reading!
In 2004 director Zack Snyder (Man of Steel, Batman V Superman, Watchmen, 300) took on the daunting task of remaking one of the best horror films of all time, Dawn of the Dead. He took on a cast that included Sarah Polley, Ving Rhaimes, Jake Weber and, at the time, a very popular Mehki Phifer. When I initially heard about this movie coming out as a teenager, I didn't think it would be very good, since I was already a mega fan of the original George Romero movie of the same name. I was already feeling pretty gloomy, because I didn't know what to expect. What I got, instead, was a gore filled masterpiece of film-making. Zack Snyder made a badass version of the film that really took it into the mainstream for new audiences. The thing that really shocked me was the fact these zombies RAN instead of shuffled along mindlessly. That upped the thrilling and terrifying aspect that you couldn't just escape by walking by them. This swarm of undead could hunt you...and that made it so much more than the original.
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