The Last House on the Left ('09)

Hello film fans,

This weekend I had the fortune to enjoy yet another remake of one of the most influential and controversial horror films ever made. The Last House on the Left is a remake of Wes Craven's 1972 original of the same name.

The plot is actually layered with different information for the audience to take in, different even from the Friday the 13th that marches down the same predictable path as many others. I will review the '72 version here as soon as I have time to do so. From what I understand there are some subtle differences, so I will be able to touch on that later.

The plot follows Mari Collingwood (Sara Paxton) and her parents Emma (Monica Potter) and Doctor Father, John (Tony Goldwyn) on their summer trip to their lake house, set out in the woods....well its the last house on the left, on a very long road out into the middle of no where. The plot parallels into the story of a group of murderers lead by Manson-like Father Krug (Garret Dillahunt). Their paths cross when Mari and friend hanging in town, come across Justin, who ends up being part of the gang. After the two girls face ultimate horror in the woods, Krug and the gang find refuge in a terrible storm in the home of the Collingwoods. The tale takes and epic turn of revenge in the likes of films like Death Sentence and Death Wish. Unfortunately I cannot give away any more without really giving away the rest of the movie.

Some may call this little picture torture porn, I am tired of hearing this. This film is more of a traumatic drama rather then outright horror film. Please don't listen to any one who says...uh it's just like Saw or hostel.... People are unaware that it is a remake and served as a rebellious form of artistic expression made during the Vietnam war. Some of that may be lost on a new generation, but the tension is a plenty, not a lot of 'jump' scares or overall gore. The film features a terribly detailed stabbing and uncomfortably real rape scene that will surely shake up any one, especially the women of the audience.

I will come back and give a final rating after I have seen the original. But as its own film, The Last house on the left is a terrifically terrify tale of evil and revenge and worth the hour and a quarter. Just like Watchmen, this film is not for every one, but if your are a big suspense film buff or love a great horror film...this is your kind of shindig

Take a turn on the last left...

br()wnie
Resident Horror Film Aficionado