Reviews

"The Hills Have Eyes" a successful remake.

Date published: 6/22/2006

By JO HADEED

YOUTH CORRESPONDENT

So far the best movie I have seen released this year is the remake of Wes Craven's classic horror flick "The Hills Have Eyes."

It's a story about an average family that happens to get trapped in a deserted wasteland or so they think. They soon stumble onto the remains of an old mining town whose inhabitants, after being exposed to nuclear radiation, mutated into filthy, cannibalistic rednecks.

Now, most people would question what is so good about remaking yet another horror movie that you've probably seen a million times. But when you take something created by Wes Craven ("Nightmare on Elm Street") and put it in the hands of director Alex Aja ("High Tension"), you're bound to wind up with a much improved version.

Such was the case with this remake. From the outset, you instantly get into the characters, which makes their deaths all the more suspenseful and tragic. The villains are the type that you'll love to hate, and you just want to see them destroyed brutally. And there is a little comic relief at times, though the movie is pretty gritty for the most part.

The violence is rampant and almost nonstop, so if you're completely squeamish about gore I'd stay away.

"The Hills Have Eyes" stars Ted Levine, Dan Byrd and Vinessa Shaw, as well as "Lost" actress Emilie de Ravin.

Aja has shown great skill, considering it is the youthful French filmmaker's second release for American audiences. If you like "The Hills Have Eyes," definitely check out "High Tension," "Wrong Turn" and "The Hillside Cannibals."

JO HADEED is a rising sophomore at Courtland High School.

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Date published: 6/22/2006