Review of Body Snatchers (1993) by John M — 14 Jan 2014
Teen angst variation of the classic sci-fi thriller. Gabrielle Anwar is the typical borderline-anorexic, disgruntled teenager who voice-overs the movie. This version, of course, can't compare with the all-time great version of the story, the incredibly freaky Philip Kaufman 1978 film.
This version joins the story in progress, as the invasion has already started when the film does. People have already been taken over. The teen angst stuff aggressively undercuts the tension the movie could've had in its first third. But, the film jumps into gear with a fitfully frightening moment in Anwar's household. Meg Tilly caps it off with a great acting moment!
From there, the movie does a very good job at providing the creepy, claustrophobic vibe the film needs. This is sustained until the end, where you don't know which direction the filmmakers want you to think the story goes to next.
The make-up effects, such as they are, are kind of low rent. Their cheapness doesn't help elevate the story. The movie is directed by Abel Fererra, who has made some fairly notorious movies, like "Bad Lieutenant." Here, he is more under control. But, the movie generally doesn't elevate itself too far above what you would expect.
This review of Body Snatchers (1993) was written by John M on 14 Jan 2014.
Body Snatchers has generally received mixed reviews.
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