Directed by Kimberly Peirce
Produced by Kevin Misher
Written by Lawrence D. Cohen & Roberto Aguirre-Sacasta (screenplay); Stephen King (novel)
Starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Judy Greer, Portia Doubleday and Julianne Moore
***
Kimberly Peirce's version of Stephen King's novel steers in the direction of the 1976 revered classic, yet it does make an entertaining horror film. Carrie White (Moretz), a shy high schooler with telekinetic powers, has been raised by a fanatical religious mother (Moore). When she has her first period in the shower at school, the demeaning reaction of her classmates sets up a catastrophic chain of events, culminating in a prom night like no other. The story is well-known, and it unfolds in familiar pattern here.
Though reviews haven't been very positive, I actually liked this movie. Sure, it follows the original version quiet closely, which doesn't do it any favors, but the performances are very impressive. Chloë Grace Moretz gives a fine performance, delivering on the promise I saw in Let Me In three years ago. Rather than compare her work with Sissy Spacek's Oscar-nominated turn, I'll just state that Moretz's take on the character totally worked for me. The same goes for Julianne Moore's performance as Carrie's mother. Both actresses brought it. The cinematography is notable, as is the sound design, yet the film doesn't have much to offer, aside from these few strengths. Unfortunately, this will be compared to the original, which does almost exactly the same thing, only better.
Oscar Potential: None
Glad you had fun! I agree Moretz was solid, all things considered :)
ReplyDeleteHa, I was surprised that I didn't hate it! :)
DeleteThis isn't out here until mid-way through November (I don't know why they don't release it Halloween next week?) I don't expect it to be anywhere near as good as the Sissy Spacek one, but it is good to hear it's not all bad!
ReplyDeleteThat's an odd release date. Yeah, it's not all bad, but the original version is, of course, better.
DeleteI, too, enjoyed this movie, and you ain't lying about Chloe Moretz. She's been impressing me non-stop since Let Me In, and her outing here is no exception. Nice review. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I feel like Moretz doesn't get the credit she deserves. I just don't understand the hate she gets sometimes.
DeleteGood review Josh. Can't say I share the same sympathies as you, however, I can see why you liked it. I can see why a lot of people are, I just don't know why I'm not.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dan. I didn't expect to like it, so I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it.
DeleteNot really that interested in this one after I saw the trailer, to be honest. But glad you enjoyed it Josh, I do like Chloe but just not in this role.
ReplyDeleteHa, fair enough Ruth. You're not alone. ;)
DeleteI like both the lead actresses a lot -- I agree that Moretz was terrific in Let Me In. I am looking forward to this. I think whenever a film remakes a beloved classic it's bound to get harsh treatment by critics and other viewers.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're looking forward to it. I was surprised I actually enjoyed it. Yeah, that happens with most remakes. Of course, most of them are inferior to the originals.
DeleteI like Chloe Grace Moretz too, especially in "Kick-Ass." That's the first thing I saw her in (in the theater, with my dad), and me and my dad have been fans ever since. Have you seen the original "Let the Right One In?" It's my favorite movie. Julianne Moore is a very good actress too. If you want to see her play 'crazy mama' role again watch "What Maisie Knew."
ReplyDeleteOh, I love Let the Right One In. It's one of my favorite films of 2008. I've been meaning to watch What Maisie Knew for a while. I'll have to give it a look.
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