Reviews

and i really wanted to hate it. i so adored the original and found it offensive that it was being remade, that whole 'you cant mess with perfection' idea in my head. i came away from it with the distinct impression that the director had only the highest regard for the original film and total respect for the filmmaker. the new version tries to update the story for the 21st century and actually has some interesting takes on how modern technology can be used for scary elements. the smart house motion sensored lights added a nice touch as did caller id when its not who it says it is! although they tried too hard to bulk up the story with unnecessary side nonense and the timing was off, i give the man high marks for effort and his obvious attention to the integrity of the original work.

first let me preface this by educating the nay sayers who claim its a class issue; this happens in every neighborhood, regardless of social standing, money or ethnicity. secondly; unrealistic?! then you're in denial. try visiting your local middle school. you'll see an 'evie' and a 'tracey'. there were 'evies' in my upper middle class middle school, back in the early '70s and the same 'evies' attended my daughters oh so desirable middle school 6 years ago. thirdly; to say its 'cliche' is particularly redundant considering the story is based on someones true reality.life and living are chock full of clichés. this film is not a mystery so 'predictability' is just a non-issue.

frankly, middle school is the worst time in an adolescent's academic experience. raging hormones abound and the drama is real. ask any parent, middle school teacher, or kid whos been through it. think back to your experience! things do change dramatically in high school as the children mature and most importantly, the hormones adjust.

i was thoroughly impressed with this film. did i like it? hardly, its so disturbing and more horrifying than any slasher film in recent years. i found the direction superb,and a pleasant surprise as most female directors are never this balls to the walls gritty without being artsy fartsy. the acting was terrific and the characters multi dimensional real people, thanks to the impressive writing skills of the then, 13 year old star, Nikki Reed. i appreciate the fact that the story is not glamorized, like so many teen films that portray this sort of behaviour. though you may know the characters and even identify with one or another, you certainly wont want to be them.

i highly recommend the film, especially to parents. unfortunately there isn't much you can do to insure your child wont be tracey or evie, short of locking them up, I'm a firm believer in nature over nurture. we come into this world with our personalities intact, for the most part. the scenario is a bit extreme, but highly plausible. just keep the lines of communication and your eyes open.

this is one of those films i taped years back and pull out on occasion to delight and amuse. no one's ever heard of it yet they are always smiling when the credits roll. this film, in my opinion is one of those 'perfect' movies. where the direction, acting, and script are all in harmony. no gratuitous violence or sex, no dangling plot lines or questions, just concisely written, terrifically acted and superbly directed. yes, its a feel good, love story for the most part, but hardly sappy drek. i think what makes it so rich and satisfying is that it is character driven as opposed to, like so many films for the last few decades, shock and awe special effects. I'm a chick who, frankly, hates chick flicks. its hardly one of those.