Writer: Alexandre Aja, Gregory Lesvasseur (Screenplay) Wes Craven (Original Screenplay)
Starring: Aaron Stanford, Kathleen Quinlan, Vinessa Shaw, Emilie de Ravin, Dan Byrd, Tom Bower, Billy Drago, Robert joy, Ted Levine
Plot: Wes Craven produces this remake of his 1977 classic of the same name, about the Carters, an idyllic American family traveling through the great American southwest. But their trip takes a detour into an area closed off from the public, but more importantly from society. An area originally used by the U.S. Government for nuclear testing that was intended to be empty…or so they thought? When the Carter’s car breaks down at the old site, they’re stranded…or are they? As the Carters may soon realize that what seemed like a car casually breaking down, might actually be a trap. This trap might be perpetrated by the inhabitants of the site who aren’t pulling a prank, but are out to set up a gruesome massacre.
Verdict: A Remake With Extra Punch
Story: When this one gets looked at for just story it plays out like a copy of the original with an extended retaliation actions. It works for what you need in a good horror, a villain in this case mutants from experiments who feed of the normal people who come through their desert. We have an over typical all American family who get stuck in the desert but instead of it just being a slow pick off like a lot of horrors do we get an attack followed by revenge of said attack. It takes horror a different direction and with a bigger budget we can work with a large scale story. In conclusion the story is all it needs to be, let the horror and thrills keep you entertained. (7/10)
Actor Review
Aaron Stanford: Doug he is the fiancé of Lynn who gets taken on the trip because he is like one of the family. He is completely out of his comfort zone by being there as he prefers technology. He is also one of the most useless people I have seen in horror for a long time (I lost count of how many times he pissed me off by doing the wrong thing) he shows about three minutes of kick ass entertainment. Aaron does a good job with the role as he has to plan coward with no experience with the outdoors. (7/10)
Emilie de Ravin: Brenda Carter the awkward age of the family who would rather not be on a family holiday, after her nightmare happens she ends up ready to fight back. Good performance in a scream role. (7/10)
Dan Byrd: Bobby Carter the youngest member of the family on vacation, he looks up to his father and when he gets left with the responsibility he sets up to protect what is left of his family. Good performance even though his character shots blind with limited bullets. (7/10)
Robert Joy: Lizard one of the cannibal mutants who goes after the family, he is the smartest of the foot soldiers and has control over the slower but stronger Pluto. Good performance in a solid villain role. (7/10)
Ted Levine: Big Bob Carter the head of the family, ex-cop (I think) who goes looking for help for his family after the accident. Good performance in the strong father role. (7/10)
Director Review: Alexandre Aja – Bringing a classic to the modern audience is hard, he does a great job using his style of gore to make it even bloodier than first time. (7/10)
Horror: Plenty of horror happening with the attack, the isolated location keeps you guessing what will happen next and what will be the next mutation they will have. (9/10)
Thriller: It turns into a very good edge of your seat horror. (9/10)
Settings: Isolation is the easiest horror setting to use and this one does it brilliantly. (10/10)
Special Effects: Great special effects used throughout, with the kills and fights. (9/10)
Suggestion: This is a must watch for the horror fans out there, you will not be disappointed. (Horror Fans Watch)
Best Part: Beast getting his own revenge.
Worst Part: I felt too much of the village scenes were missed out.
Kill Of The Film: Lizard
Scariest Scene: The attack
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: Has one
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $70 Million
Budget: $15 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Tagline: The lucky ones die first.
Overall: Solid Remake With Plenty Of Gore
Rating