3 ½ Stars: Good Remake of the Exploitation Classic!

Perhaps I should have re-watched the original “The Last House on the Left” before I saw this re-imagining of the violently, brutal horror classic, but I think I can remember enough to write a balanced review. The original had that unrelenting graphically violent nature that is rooted around the premise of the lost of innocence, that left its mark 37 or so years ago. Wes Craven was still trying to find his style during the time, and now, he has been trying to revamp his past brainchild such as “The Hills Have Eyes” and even has a remake of “A Nightmare on Elm Street” in the works. This remake, while not as exploitive and stomach-turning as the original, is a decent entry in the books of horror.
 

Reeling from the death of their son, Ben, the Collingwoods made up of John (Tony Goldwyn), Emma (Monica Potter), and swimmer daughter Mari (Sara Paxton) decide to go up to their lake house for a little renewal and “family bonding”. 17-year old daughter Mari, however, has her different idea of fun as she hooks up with her friend Paige (Martha MacIsaac) that ends up with the two meeting up with a young man named Justin (Spencer Treat Clark) in a small motel. It turns out Justin is the son of a recently escaped convict named Krug (Garret Dillahunt), who along with his wicked girlfriend Sadie (Riki Lindhome), and Francis (Aaron Paul) plan to get out of dodge as soon as possible. Things turn for the worst as Mari and Paige is taken hostage and something truly horrific happens. Later on, Krug and his crew find themselves stranded and they seek refuge in the last house on the left…the very house owned by Mari’s parents. Payback is a bitch.
 

Directed by Dennis Iliadis, this re-imagining captures the main premise of the 70’s original with some small and some major differences in the screenplay. While the original was utterly violent and exploitive; it was a fine product of the times unleashed to an unprepared audience much like “I Spit on Your Grave” which gave it an image/title of “exploitation classic“, this new remake does try to give certain more fleshed out aspects; such as morality and vengeance, as well as a cautionary tale for teenagers. I find bloody vengeance films a lot of fun to watch, and “The Last House on the Left” is all about set ups, as we see destiny plays its hand in order to mess with both our good guys and bad guys. 

               

                               
 

While the original was quick and painful, this remake decides to take its time. The film tries to transcend the usual horror clichés, overload of special effects and torture sequences in favor of subtle characterization and careful composition in its storytelling. The raw intensity of the original is lost, and what we see in its place is some subtle tricks in its photography that meanders and dwells on some emotion as we become privy to Mari’s ordeal. Director Iliadis tries to lean towards artistry in place of raw brutality--don’t get me wrong, the film is pretty brutal, it just follows a different approach. This remake is also less sadistic than the original, but it does definitely generate more sympathy through characterization rather than through its horrific scenes with grand displays of anger and rage. The brutality represented in the original was pure unrelenting violence that displays humanity’s sadistic side, it may prove a bit surreal that may distance some viewers from its emotions. The rape scene in the film is as disturbing and savage as in the original; but in this remake, there is no touches of crude humor. (no inept cops) 

                  
 

What is also interesting is the fact that Krug and his crew are brutal but they are brutal when provoked; it feels like they were just doing the brutal deeds out of necessity of the situation. When Mari and Paige tried to escape, their reaction is violent, and without regret. I’m still certain that the two would still be killed after all is said and done; but the script does try to bring some questions as to what would have happened if they just cooperated? However, the direction and screenplay gives no room to feel some sympathy towards Krug and his crew; they are vile, evil and despicable. They really deserved what is coming for them, which allows for the viewer to root for John and Emma all the way. The only one worthy of sympathy would be our mislead character Justin, and not entirely by much. The antagonists this time around are no mere caricatures and they feel a little more real. Krug is presented as a lethal, calculating bad guy who may have just left the Collingwoods after a night’s rest, despite the temptations of their baser killer instincts but then again, you‘d never know since Francis is somewhat taken by pretty Emma. 

             

                           
 

Purists are bound to be a little upset as even the trailers have shown Mari surviving the rape and while I do somewhat agree with their complaints. Mari’s death proved to be the major catalyst for the parents’ lust for brutal revenge, this time around the script tries to incorporate a different reason for Emma and John to take the offensive. They have to fight for their barely alive daughter’s survival, so they have the added motivation to lay waste upon Krug and his crew of despicable characters. Clues as to how they discover that they were the offenders that attacked their daughter are also handled well. I also enjoyed the scenes when the killing becomes easier for Emma and John after their first kill--all they became concerned about is getting their daughter to safety and woe unto anyone who would stand on their way.
 

Now this remake has its flaws. I did not like the last scene in the film’s end. I thought it was a little tasteless and pointless; left as a cheap device to satisfy lovers of blood and gore. That microwave bit just didn’t match the tone of the rest of the film. Also, some scenes may leave some viewers scratching their heads, that some scenes felt too convenient. (I found it a bit hard to believe that Krug’s crew didn’t leave a ‘sentry’) This unrated edition of “Last House on the Left” is 4 minutes longer. I read that the rape scene is longer, not so much as more violent but the camera lingers more to generate the effects of Mari‘s attack, which proved more unnerving than the theatrical release. There is some extended scenes of shattered necks and stabbing to satisfy fans.
 

More methodical with characterization and a bit more ‘artsy’, this remake stands as one of the best horror remakes of an American film. Rampaging parents in the quest for revenge who become cold-hearted killers is pure fun, and it sure helps when the victims are ugly, unsympathetic assholes. Iliadis took the film’s main premise and made it his own. No, it isn’t better than the original, but it’s almost like Rocky Road and Chocolate Brownie ice cream--both are mainly chocolate, but different flavors. It is a different film that can stand on its own.
 

Recommended! [3 ½ Stars]