I never viewed the original, so for better or worse I could not use it as a measure. I came in watching the film without any knowledge of its plot except that it was a suspenseful horror flick. What I found was both intriguing and disappointing.
The movie brings a level of suspense and fear that so encompasses the 60's/ 70's horror-torture genre. The intensity of the rape scene, while difficult to watch, brings a sharp level of artisanship rarely visibly in modern day horror films. The dynamic relationship between David Summer and his Amy and the interloper Charles is chilling and awkwardly amusing. Those are the pluses.
Beyond that, it over and over again fails in execution. The portrayal of the townies and yuppies (red staters v. blue staters) was completely juvenile and even laughable which I suspect was not the intent of the director. Then the film ends with ... well ... a thud. The final home invasion, the main event, seems utterly botched. Too many minuses.
The movie brings a level of suspense and fear that so encompasses the 60's/ 70's horror-torture genre. The intensity of the rape scene, while difficult to watch, brings a sharp level of artisanship rarely visibly in modern day horror films. The dynamic relationship between David Summer and his Amy and the interloper Charles is chilling and awkwardly amusing. Those are the pluses.
Beyond that, it over and over again fails in execution. The portrayal of the townies and yuppies (red staters v. blue staters) was completely juvenile and even laughable which I suspect was not the intent of the director. Then the film ends with ... well ... a thud. The final home invasion, the main event, seems utterly botched. Too many minuses.