Review of Wrong Turn (2003) by Michael S — 02 May 2010

One part "Deliverance," one part "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and one part Dushku (pronounced Duuuuushkuuuuuuuhhh!), "Wrong Turn" successfully marries all that was fresh and frightening from the 80s slasher genre with characters who possess actual IQs, actors who can provide better than average performances (for the slasher genre, anyway) and a suspenseful, white-knuckled ride that feels authentic at every relentless turn (even if we are talking about cannabalistic, in-bred, hillbilly hunters).

What works here is that it simply doesn't try to be anything other than what it is. Remaining true to it's horror roots, this film only wants to creep you out, make you jump and have a wild time doing so.

Unlike the endless barrage of reboots, reimaginings, sequels, prequels and blatant rip-offs of the handful of slasher films from the 80s that actually got it right the first time around, "Wrong Turn" is a great (and underrated) popcorn flick to rent for a couple of bucks, rather than forking out $9.

00+ for the next steaming pile from Platinum Dunes in theatres.