PET
SEMATARY (2019)
Starring
Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, John Lithgow, Jete Laurence, Obssa Ahmed.
Directed by Kevin Kolsch & Dennis Widmyer. (100 min).
ON
BLU-RAY FROM PARAMOUNT
Review
by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀
There’s
nothing like remakes of childhood favorites to make one feel really
old. I’m sure most of us have experienced that. Well, how ‘bout a
remake of a film you vividly remember seeing in theaters as an adult?
It hardly feels like the original Pet Sematary Just turned 30 and I’m forced to accept the hard fact that – in
movie years – I’m ancient.
That
sobering bit of personal reality notwithstanding, did Pet Sematary
actually need to be remade? Probably not, but that’s been said
about every movie near-and-dear to someone’s heart. While the 1989 film continues to be held in high regard in most horror
circles (and with good reason), it isn’t a sacred cow on the level
of Jaws or The Exorcist. Why not revisit the concept
with fresh eyes?
Comparisons are inevitable,
of course. And for horror fans, results may vary.
Yardwork sucks. |
First
and foremost, this ain’t your daddy’s Pet Sematary, which
was more-or-less a faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.
This one uses the same basic premise,
but takes
significant story and
character detours along
the way, which
is ultimately a good thing. Not that all the changes are an
improvement, but the last thing anyone needs is another pointless
scene-for-scene remake and
even fans of the original movie or novel might be surprised how this
one plays out.
Some
King purists will cry foul,
of course. Others might find themselves grudgingly admitting that
this one more-effectively
captures the oppressive, brooding tone of the novel. That
doesn’t necessarily make it scarier – in fact, the film is seldom
truly frightening – but it’s more atmospheric and a sense of
impending doom hangs over the proceedings right from the get-go. The
overall performances are better,
as well, especially John Lithgow in the pivotal role of Jud Crandall.
Lithgow’s more subtle (and slightly sinister) approach makes
the character more dynamic than Fred Gwynne’s slack-jawed yokel
from the original.
Nick Nolte's cat. |
But
comparatively speaking, it all comes down to personal preference. For
another example, I found Church the Cat far more intimidating in this
version. His matted, mangy appearance really makes it look like the
little beast just came back from the dead, not-to-mention the way he
stares, similar to how my own cat, Stinky, glares at me when she’s
pissed.
While
well crafted and atmospheric, I wouldn’t go as far as to say Pet
Sematary is better than the 1989 film. The original went where
most mainstream horror films feared to tread at the time, arguably
rendering this one less disturbing or memorable. Still, the
considerable story changes are intriguing enough to justify its
existence.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
"BEYOND
THE DEADFALL” - An hour-long, four-part making-of documentary.
DELETED/EXTENDED
SCENES
ALTERNATE
ENDING – The film’s final ten minutes, with a somewhat
different outcome. No better or worse than the one included in the
final cut.
"NIGHT
TERRORS” - A series of 1-2 minute nightmare sequences (not part
of the film) featuring each of the Creed characters.
"THE
TALE OF TIMMY BATERMAN” - Jud (John Lithgow) tells a more
detailed story of a kid once buried in the burial ground. This might
be considered a deleted scene, though it’s presented as more of a
soliloquy.
DVD
& DIGITAL COPIES
KITTY CONSENSUS:
NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.
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