Review: Last House on the Left

Now the remake has none of that cheap, grainy quality that the original had. Not always a good thing. But what it does have is also what makes it a better film than the original. Yes, it is absolutely better and for a number of reasons. This latest version proves that this tale of revenge is ultimately as timely and affecting as it was in 1972. It also presents a very skilled group of actors that help make it believable, even if the gritty edge has been replaced by a surprisingly well shot motion picture. In an early scene, when a young Mari Collingwood (Sara Paxton) takes a swim, it feels nothing like a horror film. In fact, most of it looks and sounds like a drama where really scary stuff happens. The score by John Murphy represents the film so perfectly, that it really feels as if it lives and breathes as the circumstances go from dire to deadly. But no clashing symbols or loud shrieks of violins to let you know that you should jump can be found here, and yes, in my book that is a great thing.

If you’ve seen the trailer, it is not hard to guess what the movie is about. And if you’ve seen the original and the trailer, you already know where the two versions differ. One of the more subtle differences between the two films in the family dynamic. It is clear that Mari’s parents, Emma and John Collingwood (Monica Potter and Tony Goldwyn) are on the verge of a divorce. This is not a happy couple that will gladly band together to fight back some murderous psychos. No, they must separate their differences and figure out a way to deal with the folks that hurt their little girl. Both Monica and Tony are terrific here. First, as the detached and bitter husband and wife, and then as the desperate parents who must help their only living child. Yes, there is more to the story this time around. And ultimately, that raises the stakes.

I for one loved David Hess as Krug. He was certainly one of the better actors in the film and his menace was very human, and also very scary. So basically, Garret Dillahunt had some pretty wicked shoes to fill and he does so quite impressively. Dillahunt’s Krug is a quiet storm. You know something is brewing, as his psychotic tendencies seem to slowly seep outward. I also found myself intrigued by his relationship with those around him. Most notably his own son Justin, played by Spencer Treat Clark. While the original film may have been a statement regarding the violence that was going on in the world during the Vietnam era, this update feels as though it is a comment on the modern family. Okay, maybe not, but I did notice the effects of how Mari’s parents dealt with their issues as opposed to how Krug and his son’s relationship seemed long dead and buried. Again, you can credit each of these actors for being strong enough to make it worth investing in them.

Truthfully, I had few major complaints about Last House 2009. My biggest problem came from the weakest performance in the film. I’m not sure if Riki Lindhome was the right fit for Sadie. This was the one character that kept me harkening back to the original. When Jeramie Rain portrayed Sadie the first time around, she had the ability to be sexy, cool, and scary as hell. But all Riki does is seem like an annoyance. She didn’t feel necessary aside from being a token badass hottie. The only time I felt that she seemed legit is when she first arrived at the Collingwood’s home. When she sweetly commented on the house and the family themselves. Before she knew that this would be a battling ground, I found her to be very sweet and I think her innocence was much more honest. This was not the right character for her and she feels awkward compared to the talented cast.