Review of Straw Dogs (2011) by Jason W — 05 Jun 2013

While not as disappointing as expected this remake of the 1971 film is still inferior. The acting is pretty average and Kate Bosworth is especially disappointing. Mostly a straight remake it does make some changes.

Although despite attempts to add different racial elements and make the female lead character stronger, these attempts fail and ultimately complicate rather than strengthen the narrative. Unfortunately the interesting ambiguities and performances that were great in the original film version, this version lacks the most interesting elements.

Overall still good, but lacks the depth of character and intensity of the original, the simplification makes it more obvious and less violent and explicit because it becomes glorified and melodramatic rather than realistic.