Hasitha Fernando with ten essential horror remakes of the 21st century…
Remakes are a dime-a-dozen and the same rings true for the horror genre as well. However, amidst the eye rolling mediocrity that is found in modern cinema, there are some admirable gems that stand out and pique one’s interest. So, without further ado, here are the ten essential horror remakes of the 21st Century…
Evil Dead (2013)
The ultimate 80s cult classic The Evil Dead is a movie that requires no introduction. Cobbled together on a shoestring budget, the beloved cult classic horror flick has garnered its fair share of controversy, admiration, and revulsion but still finds its legacy continuing to grow like an army of unstoppable Deadites. Tempted with the possibility of reintroducing the property to a newer audience, Sam Raimi & co tasked up-and-coming filmmaker Fede Alvarez to do the deed. The result? A gnarly vomitorium of gory violence that’ll have you squirming in your seats. Raimi’s trademark humor maybe absent but there’s still a lot to love in this terrifying remake.
It (2017)
ABC’s two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s classic traumatized an entire generation of kids in the early 90s, thanks to Tim Curry’s unnerving portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. However, the year 2017 introduced us to a new breed of horror in the form of Bill Skarsgård, and his portrayal of Pennywise can best be described as – pure nightmare fuel. But at the heart of this tale, is a touching coming-of-age drama that deals with the trials and tribulations of high-school, as well as, the emotional baggage that comes with it. And things get even more complicated when a murderous clown is on the loose.
The Ring (2002)
To say The Ring does justice to its original source material, is something of an understatement. Although the traditional Japanese setting gets swapped for a contemporary American one, the core story remains essentially the same. It is a good old-fashioned ghost story propelled by compelling performances, drop-dead-gorgeous visuals, and some spooky atmospherics. In conclusion, the movie is an unforgettably immersive experience that simply improves on repeated viewing. It also serves as a reminder that a PG-13 rating won’t ever stand in the way of artful filmmaking.
SEE ALSO: The Ring at 20: The Most Influential Horror Movie of the 2000s?
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Whatever your opinion of Zack Snyder, there’s no denying that the dude crafted a solid horror flick with Dawn of the Dead. The film not only pays homage to George A. Romero’s original brilliantly, but also succeeds on its own merits. Keeping the basic premise intact, Snyder infuses more action heavy elements which effectively eschews the slow-burn for an edgier pacing. Romero’s dark humor and satirical elements do get downplayed in the process, but don’t let that dissuade you from watching this surprisingly well-made remake.
Let Me In (2010)
Many were skeptical when it was announced that critically acclaimed Scandinavian horror drama Let the Right One In too, was getting its own remake. Most deemed it a pointless exercise doomed to fail. However, all were proven wrong when Let Me In made its debut. The man behind the magic is none other than maestro Matt Reeves, who delivered us last year’s gripping, detective noir comic book movie The Batman. With Let Me In, Reeves has taken everything that worked in the original, added his flourishes and let the mesmerizing performances of Chloe Grace Moretz and Kodi Smit-McPhee do the heavy lifting. An exemplary chiller that will render you speechless.
The Crazies (2010)
Another George A. Romero flick that received the remake treatment, this affair closely follows the plot of the 1973 original albeit with a bigger budget and a rock-solid cast led by Deadwood alum Timothy Olyphant. From the get go there is an overwhelming sense of dread that pervades the proceedings, and the nerve-wracking tension just dials up to eleven when shit hits the proverbial ceiling. Lean, mean, and utterly relentless The Crazies is that rare doomsday action thriller which surpasses the original material in every way possible. An absolute must see.
Fright Night (2011)
Not every cult classic deserves a remake, but who would say no to a seductive Colin Farrell as the vampire-next-door? But that’s not all that Fright Night has to offer. We have a mascara wearing David Tennant, as well as the late Anton Yelchin kicking ass and taking names. It is an incendiary combo of talents that – along with enough guts, gore, and a decent story – makes for one helluva viewing experience. A dark horror comedy that’s got more bite than it looks.
Willard (2003)
Though not billed as a remake by the movie’s producers Willard borrows elements from the original source material titled Ratman’s Notebooks, as well as the novel’s first film adaptation and its sequel. There is a stronger focus on suspense and atmosphere in this re-envisioning, and the former is primarily due to the uber creepy performance dished out by the ever-sensational Crispin Glover. If you have an innate phobia of rats, then steer clear of this one maybe. Lest you end up having a panic attack.
I Am Legend (2007)
The third feature-film adaptation based on Richard Matheson’s novel of the same name is headlined by none other than Will Smith. It is a gripping tale which sees Smith play the last human survivor of a plague that has swept the entire New York city. The talented actor is at his A-game here, delivering a powerful, emotionally resonant performance that will stay with you after the credits roll. Oh, and did I forget to mention that he has vampires for company? Yeah, there’s that.
Red Dragon (2002)
It’s difficult to say if Michael Mann’s criminally underrated Manhunter or this adaptation is the superior product, but there’s no denying the gravitas that Sir Anthony Hopkins brings to the proceedings as Hannibal Lecter. Throw in a bunch of talented thespians like Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, and Harvey Keitel into the mix, and you’ve got quite the heady brew. Yes, Red Dragon doesn’t quite hit the masterful notes that The Silence of the Lambs did, but it’s still a damn fine tune scratched from the same old violin.
What are your favourite horror remakes of the 21st century? Let us know on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
Hasitha Fernando is a part-time medical practitioner and full-time cinephile. Follow him on Twitter via @DoctorCinephile for regular updates on the world of entertainment.
