The Phil-S(an) Have Eyes

Not much is going on but thought I should put something new on here, and practice my links. So, a film review and Japanese lesson rolled into one.

Ichi - One
Following the current trend to (badly) remake every horror film from the 70s, another comes along. The latest breed, such as Scream have been both self-referential and self-aware. However, the joke wore old and now we revert to the old style: truly shocking and disturbing set-pieces which reflect sociological and psychological conflict. The Hills Have Eyes stands alongside Wolf Creek and Hostel in leading this new batch.

Ni - Two
Stranded in the middle of the desert, a family is attacked by a group of deformed cannibals. Just as with Wolf Creek, the establishing scenes allow for dramatic irony; the family’s false sense of security only adds to the sadistic torment we face when the true nature of their situation dawns. Simple and effective.

San - Three
The casting is fantastic, especially Emilie de Ravin who uncannily resembles Susan Lanier as Brenda. The direction, plotting, and scares are all fine. The centre-piece in the trailer is pleasingly (for a horror fan) horrific, and seems relatively unedited. However, the film loses part of what the original thrived on.

Yon/Shi - Four
Wes Craven saw the 1977 version as a reflection of the ego and id fighting for superiority. The remake is less subtle, instead focusing on the determination found when protecting the notion of family. This is fine, except for the twenty or so extra minutes towards the end in the town, which resorts to mindless Hollywood violence.

Go - Five
A very decent remake, worth seeing with the lights down low, the sound up, and a nice long walk through the woods home.

I give this film: Yon / Go