Review: Last House on the Left (remake)

Last House on the Left (remake)

By any other name this would be a great movie but for a remake it is just good.

I'll warn you up front, this isn't a film for all tastes, even the average horror fan may have a difficult time watching this one.

As a fan of the 70's horror movies, I had mixed feelings to learn that Wes Craven's landmark horror-thriller was going to be remade for modern audiences. I wondered just how they would tone-down such a violent and disturbing classic for today's audiences without just ruining the entire film. Much to my surprise though this polished-looking remake actually retained much of the violent brutality of the original film.

A man is being transported to prison when two people crash their truck into the side of the cop car freeing the prisoner.

Emma, John and Mari head out to their lake house on vacation. Shortly after arriving, Mari drives into town to spend time with her friend Paige. She and Mari meet Justin, a teenager passing through the town who invites them both back to his hotel room to smoke some weed.

(Almost the same plot line as the original)

Like the original film there's an effectively disturbing rape scene and some very bloody violence. While Last House (remake) does alter the story of the original somewhat, it stays fairly true to the shocking nature and gripping suspense that made the original a classic. It has some terrific action sequences and remains quite intense throughout the whole movie.

My only complaint about the remake is the fact that it shy's away from the bleak ending of the original in favor of a more routine ending. Overall it remains a bold and effective effort.

All in all The Last House on the Left is a very good horror movie. It's one the best remakes in years, boasting excellent visuals, great acting, and violence not to be reckoned with.

I'll give this one 4 out of 5 stars.