By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Typically, horror remakes and reinventions are poor. They lack the character depth and creepy elements that made the originals stand the test of time. The list of awful remakes far outweighs those that are watchable. Black Christmas (2006), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), The Haunting (1999), Thir13een Ghosts (2001) Friday the 13th (2009) – the list goes on and on.
The plagues of remakes are the same plagues that ruin most modern horror movies. These movies stand out more because the originals are movies held in reverence and are something that it will most certainly be compared to. The fans know that the movie can be done right, so when the filmmakers fail it is all the more evident.
Too often we are burdened with gross out gags traded for actual scares (remember the colostomy bag in TCM -2003), characters that act in nonsensical ways, plot holes created just to supply a trick ending, and extremely pretty models cast in lead roles. Rarely are credible actors used. The most obvious and blatant example was when Paris Hilton held a supporting role in House of Wax (2005). Without question, Mr. Vincent Price was rolling in his grave for that one.
Despite all of the atrocious horror remakes, once in a while the powers-that-be get things right. The Hills Have Eyes is thankfully a shining example of a great remake.
First, Alexandre Aja was not only the director but also one of the screenplay writers. Aja is my favorite modern horror filmmaker. Whether looking at Haute Tension (2003), P-2 (2007), Mirrors (2008) and even Piranha (2010) he does remarkably well. Sure, Piranha is lighthearted but as a send-up to old school Drive-In, B-movies it was awesome.
Aja understands the importance of the audience relating to the characters. In The Hills Have Eyes, the audience can completely sympathize with the characters and understand the motivation. Our protagonist Doug (Aaron Stanford) is a new father on vacation with his wife Lynn (Vinessa Shaw) and her family. Doug’s father in-law Big Bob (Ted Levine) is from the very old-school method of raising his family. He believes that the man is the protector and doesn’t believe in pacifism.
Doug on the other-hand hates guns and refuses to handle one causing much conflict between the two.
Big Bob’s young son Bobby (Dan Byrd) is the first to suspect something is seriously awry as he finds the family dog bludgeoned to death. At first he stays silent, but once his father goes missing he confides in Doug.
Soon, Doug is forced to change his passive approach as Big Bob is set on fire and killed, his wife is fatally attacked, his sister-n-law Brenda (Emilie de Ravin)is sexually assaulted and his mother-n-law is shot right in front of him. Once the crazed attack if finished, the mutants kidnap the baby.
Bobby and Doug have a few very heated speeches that are extremely well done and well-written. Doug’s transcendence from an ordinary educated and non-violent man to a person driven too far is completely believable. Without question, the viewers will be completely on his side as he turns to violence to get his baby back.
The acting all around is great. No one is drop dead gorgeous. The women are far from hideous but it isn’t as though I’m looking at a live action Victoria Secret catalogue. They are actresses who happen to be hot rather than hot girls trying desperately to act.
The setting is great. There are many shots of old mannequins from the 50s when it is discovered that these things were from the aftermath of nuclear testing done by the government. There are definitely spooky and creepy moments sold by the actors.
The gore is over-the-top but in this type of movie it’s expected to be. It was all plot oriented.
I actually prefer this over the original. I think the pace and the development of the characters in this one is far better.
The dialogue is great, the villains are interesting and the actions committed are so heinous that it assures the audience will be rooting for the right person.
The only complaint I have is that the villains are too mutant-like. I know that we are supposedly witnessing the aftermath of a nuclear test, but one of the men have an enormous head and can only sit still with his head back. It’s gross rather than scary. I’d much rather see something like the creations of Dr. Satan from House of a 1000 Corpses (2003).
I will say that politically the film is oddly relevant now. As gun control is such a hot topic, this film definitely poses the question of ‘what if only the bad guys had the weaponry?’ Personally, I’d never own a gun – just because I don’t trust myself with one in the house, but if ever confronted with a mutant family who stole my bunny (I have a bunny not a baby) – I’d certainly invest in a gun.
Now, for those who watch this and actually like it – do not waste your money on the sequel! The sequel was horrible. It’s about the military taking on the mutants. I hate horror movies that have the military as its protagonists. It doesn’t make sense! The audience needs to be able to relate to the main characters. The viewers feel un-eased when the characters express fear. The military is trained to be in combat. Therefore, we have a bunch of people who aren’t afraid running around trying to kill mutants. It sucked! Not surprisingly, Aja had nothing to do with that one!
Scared Stiff Rating: 7.5/10 Come Back Aja – The Horror World Needs You!
