MY BLOODY VALENTINE (2009). Director: Patrick Lussier.
This remake of the 1981 My Bloody Valentine seems to begin with a reenactment of the original film's climactic slaughter. Then ten years go by and the town is again celebrating Valentine's Day (whoever heard of an entire town celebrating Valentine's Day?), the same day that maniac Harry Warden went on his rampage. Now the murders are starting again, and everyone is wondering if Warden is really dead. The best performance in the film is by Jaime King as Sarah Palmer, the sheriff's wife, who plays throughout the picture and its every situation with utter conviction. An interesting triangle develops between her, her husband (Kerr Smith) and old flame Tom Hanniger (Jensen Ackles) -- intensified by the fact that she can't be sure if either one might be the mass murderer as they both accuse the other. The film has more gross outs than the original picture, pandering to the frat boy crowd, even though it's unnecessary as the film has enough suspense and excitement to make it a creditable thriller without the excess gore. However, the climax of the remake is not nearly as good as the original's, which featured a battle in a moving mining train. Smith and Ackles also give good performances, and the rest of the cast is solid. Fast-paced. This was released in 3-D, which is obvious from the way that things are periodically thrust out at the viewer.
Verdict: Slasher movie fans will enjoy this one. ***.
This remake of the 1981 My Bloody Valentine seems to begin with a reenactment of the original film's climactic slaughter. Then ten years go by and the town is again celebrating Valentine's Day (whoever heard of an entire town celebrating Valentine's Day?), the same day that maniac Harry Warden went on his rampage. Now the murders are starting again, and everyone is wondering if Warden is really dead. The best performance in the film is by Jaime King as Sarah Palmer, the sheriff's wife, who plays throughout the picture and its every situation with utter conviction. An interesting triangle develops between her, her husband (Kerr Smith) and old flame Tom Hanniger (Jensen Ackles) -- intensified by the fact that she can't be sure if either one might be the mass murderer as they both accuse the other. The film has more gross outs than the original picture, pandering to the frat boy crowd, even though it's unnecessary as the film has enough suspense and excitement to make it a creditable thriller without the excess gore. However, the climax of the remake is not nearly as good as the original's, which featured a battle in a moving mining train. Smith and Ackles also give good performances, and the rest of the cast is solid. Fast-paced. This was released in 3-D, which is obvious from the way that things are periodically thrust out at the viewer.
Verdict: Slasher movie fans will enjoy this one. ***.
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