Mother's Day (2010)

Title: Mother's Day

Director: Darren Lynn Bousman

Writer: Scott Milam

Cast: Rebecca De Mornay, Jaime King, Shawn Ashmore, Warren Kole, Patrick Flueger

Min: 112



A couple throw a get together and invite some friends over. Good times are had until three brothers, one of them mortally wounded, enter the house. They are extremely dangerous criminals, and this was there house, until a mere two months ago. They hold the people in the house hostage, as they have one of a hostages, a doctor, help their brother before he bleeds out. Meanwhile, they await their psychotic mother (Rebecca De Mornay) who is accompanied by her beautiful daughter (True Blood's Deborah Ann Woll) arrive. When, she gets there, they demand that the money they been sending her to that house be returned to them. And, if they don't get what they want the body count will start to rise...



Right off the bat, I should start by saying that this film is very different from Charles' Kaufman's original movie of the same name. Aside, from keeping the idea of a whacked out mom and her kids, it's a completely different movie. This is a home invasion horror/ crime-thriller, unlike the rape-revenge 80s favorite (which I think is one of the best movies Troma has ever released). Fans of that film will love the in-jokes and allusions to it, including one awesome death scene.



What this movie also is one of the year's best horror films, and I hope it gets an official release soon, cause it is one hell of a ride. The movie is dark and intense and marks Bousman's best movie yet, far surpassing his work even on quality movies like Repo: The Genetic Opera or the Saw sequels, including the second one, which is actually my favorite in the series. He builds up suspense and nail-biting intensity and always keeps you on the edge of your seat. The editing is tight and furthers the feeling of the movie that will have your nerves completely spent by the time it is over.



There is are two predominate themes that run in this film: one is family. Both Jamie King, who plays the wife of the lead couple and whose character recently lost a child, and De Mornay care and love their family. This adds a level of depth to De Mornay's character that makes her that much more interesting and, in the end, perhaps THE finest female villain in the history of the horror film. Another, one, I find is one bought up by one of De Mornay's sons, who pretty much says that all humans are capable of killing in the right circumstance. This becomes increasingly evident as the movie moves along.



For this to work the acting must be excellent, and it most certainly is. De Mornay gives the performance of her career. You really want this bitch to die! And, that is all a credit to her. King is also quite good and makes for a strong heroine, you can cheer on. King looks great of course, as does the rest of the exceptionally beautiful, female cast. As, a huge fan of Ms. Woll, I was happy to see her in this film, where she plays the most sympathetic of De Mornay's family. The rest of the cast is excellent as well, with everyone giving it their all.



The movie is not the goriest you will ever see, but it always feels tense and the strong violence that there is, is made that much more racketed up. The torture scenes are nasty stuff, that will have you wincing. And, the kill I mentioned some paragraphs back ranks as one of the year's very best.



The only flaw in the movie is the ending which while not bad, and does make sense, feels a little forced and somewhat out of place. Regardless, of that I give Mother's Day my fullest support and my highest possible recommendation. Don't let your preconceived concepts of remakes stop you from seeing this. Afterall, just last year after leaving a comic book convention I was discussing my doubts about this one with a friend. Fuck those doubts and see this one as soon, as it gets released.



**** out of ****

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The 10 Best Horror Remakes of All Time

This Friday one of my favorite vampire movies has a remake of it hit the theaters: Fright Night (Conan: The Barbarian also hits the movies, but while it's splatter it ain't horror, and I don't think of it as a direct remake). I am not very interested or excited about said movie since the trailer is less than underwhelming. But, I heard a good review or two. I'm not sure I will be seeing anytime soon (but I do wanna see Conan!).



That being said, remakes have been an annoying trend in the genre in the last couple of years. And, while many have been truly, truly rancid (One Missed Call, Psycho, The Fog, etc.) a couple have been been great. This list showcases the very best in the remake department.



10. House of Wax (2005)- This is an interesting remake in that it takes the Gothic setting and styling of the original Vincent Price classic and completely changes it for nasty slasher film territory. It's not a better movie, but is substantially different. There are a couple of memorable moments, include some tense torture scenes. The gorgeous Elisha Cuthbert also makes for a great final girl, one of the best of the 2000s for sure. Even Paris Hilton being in this does not hurt it one bit.









9. My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)- Taking elements of the original (which really ranks as one of the best slashers of the 80s, moreso uncut) and adding its own take, this fun and wild gorefest is one of the most rip-roaring good times movie going experiences of the last few years. The cast and everyone involved seems to be having as much fun as we are watching it. It, more or less, kicked off the 3D trend, but unlike a lot of the recent shit out there, this one works excellently in 3D. Extra points for the DVD release being in 3D (and not that over-priced real 3D shit, either).





8. I Spit on Your Grave (2010)- This one had so much going against it. From the get go I did not think a remake to a nasty, grindhouse film like this could ever work today. But, it does, and surprisingly well at that. Sure it's slicker and lacks the grittiness of the original, but it does not lack the teeth. The humiliation/ rape is still prolonged and nasty. While, the revenge scenes are shocking and gruesome. Punches ain't pulled and the acting is solid, with villains coming off as utter filth and the stunning heroine earning our sympathy. The climax will have your jaw on the floor! Honestly this movie puts the Last House on the Left remake to fucking shame!





7. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)- This movie has been remade a total of four times!! The first three are solid films (the forth, er, not so much...), but, to me, this is the best take on the subject. The FX are flawless, the cast and acting excellent, and the directing top-notch. It's a little slow to start, but once it gets on track it's pretty suspenseful stuff. While, it maybe rated PG it still features some gooey and gross FX (moreso than ANY PG-13 movie of today and some R ones, as well!). Plus, the ending is fucking classic.







6. Halloween (2007)- Now, this is probably my most controversial entry in this countdown. Fans tend to either hate this one or love it. I fall in the later category. I think Zombie added an interesting take on the Myers mythos. Some may not like humanizing of him, but I think it was the right way to go. This way he does not retread territory that's been done before. When, he actually does get into remaking the original, he makes for a good time. The added more graphic violence fits the mold of this movie quite well. And, having Danielle Harris nude is nice, too! The less said of this movie's sequel, the better, though...





5. The Ring (2002)- This movie started the HORRIBLE trend of remake Japanese horror films as well cemented the annoyance of long, black-haired bitch-ghost movies. But, this one is actually that rarest of remakes, one that tops the original. I think the pacing is better here, as are the scares. It's also one of those few PG-13 horrors where the rating actually works. It's real creepy and scary, yet subtle. The lovely Ms. Watts is also a great lead in this movie. There are lots of memorable moments: the video itself, the horse, and the villainess coming out of the TV. But, once again, avoid the sequel at all costs!!!







4. Piranha 3D (2010)- If you though MBV3D was fun, then you ain't seen NOTHING yet!! Easily, THE best 3D experience, this wild, over the top remake tops the modest classic, it's based on. It's filled with blood rushing gore, black humor, cheese, a great cast, babes, and nudity. I like every single thing and frame from this movie. I am actually looking forward to the sequel to this one! The movie ripping it off/ cashing in on it (Shark Night 3D), eh, not so much...







3. The Blob (1988)- This long time favorite of mine simply blows the likable original out of the theater. It has some solid acting and spectacular gore FX. Shit, a kid even dies in it! Yet, it is never mean-spirited and always, always fun. It works in that Aliens sort of mode where action, sci-fi, and horror meld perfectly. Plus, Shawnee Smith looks sooo delicious in it! Cannot begin to tell you the crush I developed on her after this movie. It was a bomb when it came out, but due to fan and critic love, it when on the become a classic. An awesome movie all the way!!!







2. The Thing (1982)- John Carpenter's classic was also a bomb when it came out. But, since then this claustrophobic classic has been worshiped by fans all over the world. It would make for a perfect marathon with the aforementioned The Blob and Aliens. In fact, I think I need to do that one of these days!! Anyway, Bottin's FX are flawless, and Keith David and Kurt Russel are just awesome in it. So is the rest of the cast. That said the reremake coming out later this year seems positively uninteresting...





1. The Fly (1986)- David Cronenberg's masterpiece tops the list. It's always been my fav remake and will probably always be. Adding emotion and heart to the story and combining it with excellent acting and flawless FX make for a perfect film. The gore is gruesome and the score is classic. It also happens to be THE best beauty and the beast tale, since the original King Kong. Cronenberg's best movie is one that will always have a special place in my heart.









So, those are my choices. I really had to think about this one long and hard, but I soon found myself connecting with I ended up picking. Now, I'm curious. What are your thoughts on my list? What would have ranked?

You have read this article Halloween / horror films / House of Wax / I Spit On Your Grave / Invasion of the Body Snatchers / My Bloody Valentine 3D / Piranha 3D / remakes / The Blob / The Fly / The Ring / The Thing with the title remakes. You can bookmark this page URL http://thestoryoc.blogspot.com/2011/08/the-10-best-horror-remakes-of-all-time.html. Thanks!