Review of Carrie (2002) by Joe M — 22 Jul 2014

Here are words I never thought I'd be saying: Kimberly Pierce schooled Brian De Palma.

I might be in the vast minority in saying this, but I'm going to say it anyways, and that is Carrie (2013) is a vastly superior film to Carrie (1976). That film was nothing more than good looking schlock. This version actually has some kick to it. In the original, we just wait for the moment for Carrie to "go off". In this version, there's actually a tragic element to when she "goes off". There are characters with actual characteristics. Oh don't get me wrong, the villains in this one have what's coming to them, but not every character is as cut and dry "evil/good" like they were in De Palma's version (gym teacher, Sue, Sue's boyfriend).

The only way in which the original is better is in the final scene. The scare in the original can be seen coming from a mile a way, but it's still a great and legitimate scare. The final scene in the graveyard in this movie is kind of...well, it's just kinda there. A cringe-worthy use of CGI and a scream. Great.

The ending aside though, rarely are remakes better than the originals they're based on, but this is one of those rare instances in which the remake not only improves upon, but outshines the original.