Little Miss Horror Nerd’s Little Horror Blog

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A GOOD HORROR REMAKE?!

The answer? Yes, there are! I just watched two of them. Sadly since I have been a horror fan most of my life I am rarely shocked or frightened by anything a horror movie can throw at me anymore. I am generally not a fan of remakes in any genre. However, every blue moon or so one comes along that is a pleasant surprise. This time it was two. First up– Maniac 2012!  Elijah Wood take over the role of Frank for this film. I saw the original Maniac once maybe 20 years ago. I remember not caring much for it and finding the killer completely unsympathetic. Perhaps it was just that Joe Spinell (who played Frank in the original) was just a very good actor since he totally disgusted me. He was greasy, dirty looking, and in no way made me feel sorry for him. I guess it all depends on how you like your psychotic killers.

Elijah Wood still made Frank creepy but he is much softer looking than Joe, almost a bit feminine. He came off as boyish which made me feel sorry for him. The original in my opinion was a simple 80s slasher. The remake is more of an arthouse film. The look and feel is of a modern independent film. I liked the portions that were shot from Frank’s perspective.  In those scenes you only saw what he was seeing not him. I definitely think this is a beautiful film visually and unlike the original the characters make you care about them.

Although it is a very gory movie, I did not feel the focus was on killing.  The killing was just part of the story of Frank’s life. Both films do explain his violent actions.  The remake followed the original plot line but in many ways it is its own movie. This is a good thing. Definitely worth the $6.99 VOD rental fee.

LITTLE MISS HORROR NERD’S RATING:  4/5

Next up,  The Evil Dead remake. I must say I am totally in love with this movie.  I never believe the hype surrounding a movie because I am disappointed 99% of the time. Not this time.  The original Evil Dead has become something of a cult classic and while it is not a favorite of mine I like and appreciate it for what it is.

While the original was somewhat silly at times with dark humor sprinkled in, the remake is not funny at all. I kept thinking that at some point there would be a joke or two but there never was. What this movie is, is a badass, roller coaster ride with buckets of blood and tons of gross outs.  You will never be bored.  If you are, you need to quit the oxycontins and put down the bong!  There was only one single thing I did not like about this movie and if you know me, you know what that was!  If you have not yet seen it, you are totally missing out.  It is very much worth the $4.99 rental fee from VOD. Happy viewing and I would love to know what you think of these two movies!

LITTLE MISS HORROR NERD’S RATING: 5/5