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Top 10 Horror Movie Remakes That Don’t Suck

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Ahh… Here we go. I’ve done a few pieces on remakes in the horror genre and if there is one thing most of us fans can agree on, it’s that most remakes suck. Notice I used the word “most”. Of course, the reaction is always the same when we hear the word “remake” or “reboot”. Moans, groans, and wanting to blow up whoever is behind said rebooted movie with our anger and beating of the fists.

But, Sometimes, we just have to suck it up and give a remake a chance because they don’t always suck. Don’t get me wrong here. I’ve always said Hollywood uses remakes to make a quick buck on an existing successful movie. And most of the time that is quite the case. But, there are a few out there that are executed in sheer brilliance and dare I say even top the original. That being said, this list I’ve compiled is just from atop my noggin.

Here are 10 horror remakes that don’t suck:

10. My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)

This, in some ways, improved version pushed the boundaries of nudity, sex, and bloody violence, all in the glorious third dimension.  If you don’t believe me, check out this video below. I gave it my seal of gore approval.

 

9. The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

This one of the remakes I felt was far more superior than the original. The R-rated and brutally violent Hills of 2006 generated a lot of buzz with horror fans and grossed over 40 million at the box office. A sequel came out shortly thereafter but didn’t quite par up to the original or the remake.

 

8. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

I was quite hesitant about this one. But I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Does it hold the same magic as the original? Not in my opinion. But it certainly does hold up well with keeping true to the storyline, great actors, and brilliant cinematic filming. And I didn’t have to hear Franklin’s ever so annoying bitching in this new generation take. Yeah… I was ok with that.

 

7. I Spit On Your Grave (2010)

Ahh, once again this remake is just as good as the original but with just an updated look and just as brutal if not more than the first. The story of a novelist who ventures out into the woods and goes from a victim to a vengeful hero works, in this case, thanks to great directing and a stellar performance by Sarah Butler.

 

6. Little Shop Of Horrors (1987)

Ok. Sure technically it’s not a horror film, but hey, I had to give it an honorable mention. I mean you’d have to be crazy not to love a singing plant that feeds on human flesh and blood, right? With the help of Jim Henson puppeteers, Audrey 2 was brought to life in this stunning horror- comedy- musical. The original came out in 1960 and although was superb for its time; This is one I can say on record far exceeds the original.

 

5. The Blob (1988)

The Blob is one that should definitely be in any horror fanatics collection. This is one remake that managed to live up to its cheesy inspiration that was Chuck Russell’s vision, in which the title goo crashes to earth and promptly begins digesting the residents of a small California town while growing to gargantuan proportions. Also worth mentioning is that yet another Blob remake is in the works. 

 

4. The Thing (1982)

The Thing is surely one of the greatest Sci-Fi-Horror flicks ever made. This version that stars Kurt Russell is absolutely brilliant and damn near flawless. I really don’t know what else to say other than if you haven’t seen it then you must sit down and watch it. Right meow. No really. Stop reading this and go let your eyes sink into a showcase of Kurt Russell’s majesty!

 

3. Frankensein (1931)

I know what some of you may be thinking. That is the original right? Wrong! The original was a short silent film made in 1910 made by Edison Studios. The 1931 version directed by legend James Whale broke boundaries and was a pioneer in film. In my opinion, it paved the way for many more horror movies to follow in its footsteps and most rightfully deserves a spot on this list.

 

2. The Fly (1986)

What can I say about David Cronenberg’s masterpiece The Fly? I mean other than it’s just that. Another remake that I can safely far outweigh the 1958 original in gore and storyline. Jeff Goldblum gives a fantastic performance as “Brundlefly” and shows us if Hollywood is going to remake a film, this is how it’s done.

 

1. Dawn Of the Dead (2004)

Another film I was wary about being as how I’m a huge Romero and zombie fan. When the movie came to the screen in 2004, I was completely blown away. So much so, that I almost went into labor with my first child from too much excitement and zombie nerdgasms. The amazing special effects paired with great-looking zombies and a brilliant cast made this film a hit. While it is much different than the original, it is well worth watching and two thumbs up from this broad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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