By Melissa Antoinette Garza
The Initiation of Sarah is a remake of the 1978 movie of the same name. The original is a very captivating and fun film. It was a typical old school made-for TV production, but back in the day “typical” translated into pretty damn good. There was a time when the top networks put a lot of effort into their late night films. I remember movies like Don’t Go To Sleep (1982), Midnight Hour (1985) and Dead of Night (1977), all of which were made-for-TV and all of which are still some of my favorite classics.
Though, the original The Initiation of Sarah wasn’t necessarily scary, it did have a certain charm to it. It was a bit like Massacre at Central High (1976) meets Jennifer (1978) or the better known Carrie (1976). There is a very valid reason that horror fans clamor over the 70s and view the decade as horror’s heyday. Back then, there was a certain look and atmosphere to the overall production that added an element of realism which always brought the viewers in. Even when absurd plot points arose, they were able to sell it with quality dialogue and interesting characters.
The integrity of the movie was never compromised despite the illogicalities. This is simply because of the way in which the 70s handled filmmaking. Rather than models who had limited acting ability (a.e. Megan Fox and Kristen Stewart), the movies starred actresses who though beautiful had the appearance that they could live next door (a.e. Katharine Ross in The Stepford Wives [1975] or Lee Remick in The Omen [1976]). Their acting ability was far more significant than how big their breasts were or how much Botox was used in their 20-something face.
This may seem like a trivial point, but when actresses look like they just stepped off the catwalk, it’s impossible to relate to them. It isn’t even the natural looks of the actresses that do it. It’s the small details that are overlooked. When a leading lady is being chased through the woods and arrives with perfect make-up and stunning hair, it immediately reminds the viewer that they’re watching a movie therefore removing them from the excitement and emotion of the moment. The same is true when an actress is awful. Paris Hilton in House of Wax has to be the best example. Her acting was one of the major factors that ruined the movie. In the 70s that would have never happened. There were times that the most beautiful women in the world were made to look like the plainest girl next door. It was cinema magic and in the right setting and using the perfect atmosphere it made for some of the best horror films of all time.
I digress. When I decided to watch the remake of The Initiation of Sarah, I expected something dreadful. I thought the actresses would be dressed like Kim Kardashian look alike tramps with the acting ability equivalent to Lindsay Lohan in Liz and Dick. I’m happy to say on those two counts, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I was immediately impressed with the leads. They were dressed in a fashion that represented their characters well. Sarah ( Mika Boorem) being a bit of an outsider dressed in a retro 80s rock’n roll style whereas her sister Lindsay (Summer Glau) conformed to a more preppy elegance. Both were dropped off at college by their mother Trina (Morgan Fairchild) who encouraged the girls to join the Alpha Nu Gamma sorority.
Lindsay desperately wants to join the sorority and follow her mother’s advice. She does everything she can to befriend the sorority sisters and believes they are receptive. Unbeknownst to her, the Alpha Nus are only pretending to be interested. They are really after her sister and merely use Lindsay as a mechanism to force Sarah’s hand. Sarah has certain supernatural powers that the sorority wants to gain control of.
Meanwhile, Sarah’s professor Dr. Eugenia Hunter (Jennifer Tilly) also has mystical abilities. She warns Sarah about the sorority and attempts to help her steer clear of the Alpha Nus.
The feud between the sisters hits a boiling point when Lindsay changes her entire wardrobe and dresses like a skank when accepted into the sorority. Knowing that she has to fight the entire group full force she heeds Dr. Hunter’s advice and prepares for battle.
There were a few really great aspects to this film. It was great to see Jennifer Tilly and Morgan Fairchild. I would have preferred if the movie put more focus into a battle between those two as both are feisty in their distinct ways.
Honestly, the overall acting was good, but that’s really all that can be said.
The movie will most likely attract fans of The Craft (1996) or the lesser known Black Circle Boys (1997). Those who enjoyed those productions may find some value in this one. To put it plainly, it wasn’t horrible but it was far from stellar.
The dialogue was fine, the pace was alright, and the characters were distinct from one another. There were a few twists and turns at the end and the conclusion is acceptable. The issues arose with the lack of atmosphere. There wasn’t a single scare nor was there a chilling moment. The special effects left a lot to be desired as well. I understand this was oriented towards a younger audience but if it chooses to be a horror film, there should be something frightening shown or implied.
I would most certainly advise those interested in this film to search for the original instead.
Scared Stiff Rating 3/10
