Last House on the Left, The– 2009
**½ Out of ****
Only a few films can lay claim to having been remade a total of 4 times (well, three remakes and the original). The birth-giver, so to speak was, The Virgin Spring directed by the one and only Igmar Bergman, that was followed up by Wes Cravens 'original' The Last House on the Left and then by Chaos in 2005. But unfortunately for Dennis Iliadis' version, this flick can also make a unique claim of ruining itself based on exactly two scenes.
These two scenes have been spoiled countless times in the media as of late, but I think it fair to still not disclose them here, so I will be vague. The first features a totally unwarranted rape scene, and the second, the very final scene in the movie; and these segments brutally mar an otherwise character driven, not needlessly bloody or sadistic, tense film. If you think it odd that I cannot forgive shortcomings that comprise perhaps 20 minutes of the total running length I encourage you not to speak until you see them for yourself. If I had the proper equipment I would make my own cut of the movie and remove the scenes which also, and perhaps not coincidently, add nothing to the narrative as well as being downright repugnant and excessive.
As I have alluded to in other reviews, performances in horror films are becoming more and more of an asset, whereas older horror films relied on (then) shocking scenes top draw in audiences. Every performance is standout, particularly the main villain and protagonist, played by garret Dillahunt and Tony Goldwyn respectively. Retreating to their family cottage for the weekend the Collingwood's, Mari (Sara Paxton), Emma (Monica Porter) and John (Goldwyn) they have planned out a period of relaxation and rejuvenation. Heading into town one day, Mari meets with an old friend (played by Superbad's Martha MacIsaac) who has partying on the mind. Scoring some drugs however does not lead to the high they imagined as they are taken hostage by a despicable foursome played by Dillahunt (as Krug), Micheal Bowen (as Morton), Riki Lindhome (as Sadie) and Spencer Treat Clark (as Justin) and the events that unfold lead to coincidence and revenge.
Apart from some supremely tense sequences, as mention the real strength is in the acting and the compelling character arcs at play. Dillahunt is simply terrifying but never cartoonish, Lindhome as Krug's girlfriend is sadistic but has breaks of subtle humanity that truly add another dimension to character and Goldwyn is confident but not four a second feels like a superhuman action hero. There is a lot of good to be found in Last House I only wish that those involved had been more confident in what they had and did not resort to the ever growing trend of shock values and sadism.
© 2009 Simon Brookfield
