The Last House on the Left [2009]

Genre - Horror
Year Released - 2009
Running Time - 100 minutes
Rated R for sadistic brutal violence - including a rape, disturbing images, language, nudity, and drug use
Directed by Dennis Iliadis
Written by Carl Ellsworth (who also wrote Disturbia & Red Eye) and Adam Alleca
*Based on the 1972 film written & directed by Wes Craven
Cast Includes:
Sara Paxton (Aquamarine)
Tony Goldwyn (Friday the 13th: Part VI and The Last Samurai)
Monica Potter (Patch Adams, Con Air, Without Limits, and Saw)
Martha MacIsaac (Becca from Superbad)
Spencer Treat Clark (Unbreakable)
Garret Dillahunt (from the television series Deadwood, The 4400, and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles)
Riki Lindhome
Aaron Paul

Rating: 3 Skulls

The Theatrical Poster for the Original 1972 Version

Plot Summary:

While vacationing at their summer home, Emma and John Collingwood show kindness to a group of strangers, unaware that they just assaulted their daughter. Once they learn the truth, they set out on a no-holds-barred plan for revenge that can only end in bloodshed.

Review:

I totally went into this film with an open mind, and for a while, it worked.

Every other day now, I hear news of inevitable remakes, and I am at at the point now where, since there is really nothing that I can do to prevent them, I figure that I may as well try to at least see what the filmmakers are going for [other than just making a quick buck]

The strange thing with this film was that I saw it in a theatre full of women - how weird is that? It was me, and about 12 other women - I was the only guy! Then about 10 minutes into the movie, an older couple came in, though they ended up leaving during the rape scene - they missed the brutal opening, otherwise, I do not think they would have lasted that long!

It has probably been about 15 years since I've seen the original. If you have never seen the original, it is one of those films that is not easy to forget, hence my not bothering to refresh my memory.

Even though this film didn't hold back, I do not see it having the same impact as the original version. This version didn't have the "never forget 'that' moment" [men, you know which scene I'm talking about] In my mind, I tried not to compare this film to the original, but ultimately it couldn't be helped. . .

One of my main concerns about this film was the character of Krug [originally played by David Hess] Hess did such an excellent job in the original that I was worried if Dillahunt would be able to play him as sadistically. I am happy to say that he did. There was just something about the way Dillahunt portrayed Krug - like he really didn't want to be as sick as he was, yet he just couldn't help himself. Dillahunt played Krug with a slow-burn effect. He just simmered, growing hotter and hotter, until he just exploded with rage! Also, Riki Lindhome did an excellent job as Krug's girlfriend Sadie! I also liked the dynamic of Krug's son being involved - that added an interesting element.

Here's the trailer:



Now, let's talk about what I HATED about the film. I DESPISED the last sixty seconds of this film! [It almost made me want to give the movie a lower rating!] I mean, who thought that was a good idea?!?

If you plan on seeing this film, then I highly suggest that you leave when the sun starts to come up - at this point the film is almost over, and if you leave immediately, you will not be subjected to one of the most idiotic endings in film history!

Other than the very end, this is a decent film - it still does not compare with the original, and if you have never seen the original, then I suggest you do [either before or after this one, it really doesn't matter, as it is the exceptional film]

Jason