Review of The Last House on the Left (2009) by Shawn S — 11 Oct 2010

The original Last House on the Left is pretty beloved within the genre and while I do appreciate it, it's a very flawed movie. So I wasn't completely against the idea of this one getting the remake treatment.

Where the original was a bold statement on the dark areas of its time, this one just took the set up and put a simple, dramatic take on it. I think the simplicity was what drew me into this one so much.

Even though I knew everything that was coming, I still was on the edge of my seat, anticipating what was going to happen next big time. Dennis Iliadis had some great shots, AMAZING plays with sound and silence and can build suspense on a person like me who KNEW what was coming.

Even though it was evident that the movie was independent, he made it 'almost' look like a studio feature with his glossy vibes. Excellent work! The actors were also on the ball here. Tony Goldwyn really conveyed the character's thoughts and feelings via his strong performance.

I admit to bashing Monica Potter in the past but here she showcased all the different emotions and actions her character goes through wondrously. Ranged and well done! Sara Paxton sold me as the regular but head strong lead.

Garret Dillahunt almost had me liking the role when he wasn't playing maniacal. A weird move but an interesting one. Aaron Paul pulled off the horny/creepy character very well. Spencer Treat Clark was excellent as the sympathetic but questionable Justin.

Riki Lindhome ran with her small role, too bad there wasn't more. Martha MacIsaac impressed me. I was never a fan but here she came off as an ordinary teen and put enough hysterics out to have me buying it.

Good job girl! All of the above combined made this one seem like a realistic, thus hard hitting film on me. This update is a lot lighter on the gore than its forefather, but it actually worked in its favor.

I was still sickened by the acts here, but wasn't considering walking away because of it (like I had with the original). When the final act was in play, I was digging it like a kid with ritalin. I'm a sucker for vigilante justice and I was given a well rounded dose of that here.

Any qualms? A couple. First, I wish the movie had focused more on some of the things it initially set-up. Like the dead brother thrown into the mix. Give me more! I also felt there wasn't enough focus on the transition the parents went through from ordinary yuppies to vengeful fighters.

Speaking of not enough, there should have been more on the character of Sadie. Riki Lindhome made a part like this as intriguing as one could possibly make this type of character and needed to be explored more than taking her top off (although not bad either).

Lastly, that horribly thrown in ending needed to be cut out. The movie was playing it so realistically up until that point. I'm all for gore, but here it felt campy and definitely wasn't needed for a good cap off.

All in all, I found this remake easier, technically better and all around better than its predecessor (which is a rarity). Add to all this beautiful cinematography, a haunting score from John Murphy, a well written script and an effortless pace and you get a well done dramatic-horror flick.

Worth it.