As Nosferatu reboot goes down a storm with critics take a look back at the best and worst Hollywood horror remakes from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho to terrifying Black Christmas

As Nosferatu reboot goes down a storm with critics take a look back at the best and worst Hollywood horror remakes from Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho to terrifying Black Christmas

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I must say that remakes can be a contentious topic. On one hand, they offer a fresh take on beloved classics, appealing to new generations and providing opportunities for talented actors and filmmakers. On the other hand, there are times when the original simply cannot be matched, and the result is a disappointing imitation.

Enthusiasts are ecstatic over the fresh take on the horror genre with the upcoming reimagining of Nosferatu, originally released in 1922 as a silent film, now being directed by Robert Egger.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement about this fresh adaptation! This time around, it’s none other than Bill Skarsgård who breathes life into the ravenous Count Orlok. And if that wasn’t enough to send shivers down my spine, Lily-Rose Depp steps into the shoes of Ellen Hutter, becoming the focus of his chilling infatuation.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a thrill as early reactions describe this upcoming film as ‘spellbinding’, ‘mischievous’, and ‘the scariest flick since The Shining’. With an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it seems the anticipation is reaching a crescendo.

In the meantime, it’s Lily-Rose Depp, Johnny Depp’s 25-year-old daughter, who is captivating audiences. As stated by The Hollywood Reporter, her performance in the film is “a revelation,” while Collider praised it as “one of the year’s best performances.

Horror remakes are a popular genre, from the 1998 reboot of Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary Psycho to on of the earlier slasher films Black Christmas.

Let’s revisit some notable Hollywood horror remakes, evaluating which ones brought fresh terror and which perhaps should have remained untouched in this exploration.

As Nosferatu reboot goes down a storm with critics take a look back at the best and worst Hollywood horror remakes from Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho to terrifying Black Christmas

Jeepers Creepers (2022)

2022’s Jeepers Creepers revival received unfavorable feedback from both fans and experts, who lamented that the series wouldn’t retain its original charm post-release.

In this newest addition to the 2001 series (which is its fourth), control was passed on to Timo Vuorensola, following the dismissal of original director Victor Salva years ago, after his 1988 conviction for child molestation became well-known.

As a lifestyle expert diving into the realm of cinematic critiques, I must admit that I’ve encountered passionate fans of the iconic 2001 original “Jeepers Creepers” and its sequel, Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003). These enthusiasts have expressed their concerns regarding certain alterations by Director Vuorensola. They’ve pointed out the CGI as being less polished or ‘sloppy’, and they’ve noted that the plot seems to lack coherence or logical flow, which they consider among the film’s key shortcomings.

Yet, it’s the updated portrayal of the Creeper, who serves as the main antagonist, that has faced some severe backlash. Some film viewers argue that this alteration transforms the movie into more of a ‘slasher flick’.

In my exploration of the eerie and unsettling, I stumbled upon a chilling creature – the creeper, a monstrous entity that feeds on human organs and awakens every 23 years to satiate its hunger. This grotesque being was initially sighted 21 years ago during a highway journey taken by Justin Long and Gina Phillips, portraying Damien and Trish in the first film of its kind.

As Nosferatu reboot goes down a storm with critics take a look back at the best and worst Hollywood horror remakes from Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho to terrifying Black Christmas

Although it touched on some creepy folklore and subtly suggested the origins of the enigmatic and apparently invincible entity, enthusiasts remained in search of explanations, sparking optimism for a fourth installment that could provide closure.

In summary, compared to the initial two instalments, this one didn’t fare as well, and following its negative reception from cinema-goers, Timo Vuorensola expressed in a YouTube interview his intention to revitalize the franchise.

Conversely, the film titled “Jeepers Creepers Reborn” featuring Jarrueau Benjamin in the role of the creature, along with Imran Adams and Sydney Craven as the principal characters, has left numerous viewers underwhelmed.

The story follows a pair of travelers attending a horror festival, finding themselves trapped within a chilling Creeper-inspired escape room. The initial three films are portrayed as works of fiction, with enthusiasts of the Creeper character attempting to ritually sacrifice a pregnant woman named Sydney to appease the ravenous beast.

Psycho (1998)

It is one of the most critically-acclaimed horror films in cinematic history.

1960s’ Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is about Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a lady who takes a significant amount of money from her employer and escapes to the secluded Bates Motel, managed by the enigmatic Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).

Following Marion’s disappearance, both her family and a detective launch an investigation, unearthing troubling facts about Norman and his motel in the process.

1998 saw the return of the psychological horror movie as a remake, helmed by director Gus Van Sant and featuring stars like Vince Vaughn, Anne Heche, and Julianne Moore.

Though it was colorfully produced and based on events from 1998, this movie was a remarkably accurate recreation, mirroring the cinematography and editing style of the original, as if channeling Hitchcock’s camera work.

Additionally, the movie incorporated both the initial screenplay penned by Joseph Stefano and the haunting melodies composed by Bernard Herrmann from the original production.

Yet, despite its efforts to emulate the original masterpiece, Psycho faced commercial disappointment and was panned by critics. The film currently holds a 41% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film received the Golden Raspberry Award for both Worst Remake and Worst Directing, and Anne was also nominated for Worst Actress in her portrayal of Marion.

However, it also earned two Saturn Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Writing.

The Grudge (2020)

First appearing in 2004, The Grudge represents a joint Japanese-American reinterpretation of the 2002 Japanese movie titled Ju-On: The Grudge.

The storyline revolves around an American nurse based in Tokyo, who encounters a baffling supernatural affliction. This curse triggers an overwhelming fury within its victims before it takes their lives, then passes on to the next unfortunate soul.

In a non-chronological narrative, the movie features Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jason Behr. It weaves together multiple, interconnected storylines.

In 2019, the movie underwent a re-creation, centering around a detective who probes into a series of murders that appear to be linked to one particular residence.

The movie, featuring Andrea Riseborough, Demián Bichir, and John Cho, received a 4.1 out of 10 average rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The critics consensus reads: ‘Dull and derivative, the rebooted Grudge wastes a talented cast and filmmaker on watered-down scares that may leave viewers nursing grievances of their own.’

‘Pesce assembled talented actors but used them in a storyline that lacks the creativity needed to make up for the cold-hearted elements typical of the darker side of horror films.’

The Ring (2002)

2002 saw the arrival of “The Ring,” a modern adaptation of the 1998 Japanese horror movie “Ring” directed by Hideo Nakata. The original story was penned by Koji Suzuki in his 1991 novel.

In the role of journalist Rachel Keller, Naomi Watts uncovers a fated VHS tape that results in the death of its viewers exactly one week after viewing it.

The film was a huge box-office success and became one of the highest-grossing horror remakes of all time, grossing $249.3 million worldwide on just a $48 million budget.

The film won Best Horror Movie and Best Actress for Naomi Watt’s performance at the Saturn Awards and also picked up both an MTV Movie Award and Teen Choice Award a year later.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie received a 71% approval rating. The critics’ consensus goes like this: ‘The Ring effectively chills viewers with its sparse use of gore and abundant eerie visuals, largely due to director Gore Verbinski’s atmospheric touch and a compelling performance by Naomi Watts.’

“The Ring was placed at the 20th spot on Bravo’s list of The Most Terrifying Movie Moments, while Bloody Disgusting listed it as number 6 among the Best Horror Movies of the Last Ten Years.

In 2009, they stated that ‘The Ring’ wasn’t just the first American version of a J-horror film; it is also considered the finest to date.

Black Christmas (2006 and 2019)

Although it received mixed reviews upon its initial release in 1974, the Canadian movie is now widely recognized as one of the early pioneers of the slasher genre.

The narrative unfolds around a circle of sorority companions, featuring Jess (played by Olivia Hussey) and the frequently tipsy Barb (portrayed by Margot Kidder). They are targeted with mysterious, suggestive phone calls anonymously.

At first, I was all smiles and encouragement for the caller, but his ominous reply made me freeze in my tracks. Then, just as our sorority sister Clare (Lynne Griffin) vanished from our house, a local teenage girl was brutally taken, sparking a chilling suspicion among us that a ruthless serial killer might be prowling our town.

Version: The horror film was re-created twice, once in 2006 and again in 2019, but neither of the remakes managed to match the quality of the original.

2006’s adaptation garnered a 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the general consensus being: ‘This remake of the 1974 slasher film, Black Christmas, is excessively violent without any originality, humor, or visual style.’

Approximately ten years after its release in 2019, the reboot of “Black Christmas” garnered a 40% rating. The website commented: ‘Though it surpasses the 2006 remake, it doesn’t quite match the original’s edge. This version of Black Christmas attempts to tackle contemporary feminist issues but mainly relies on familiar pulp.’

In its initial release, the movie featuring Imogen Poots, Aleyse Shannon, and Lily Donoghue was anticipated to earn between $10 million and $12 million during its first week. However, the film surprisingly only managed to bring in $4.2 million on its debut.

Let Me In (2010)

Under the guidance of director Matt Reeves, the 2010 movie, a romantic horror film, serves as a reinterpretation of the 2008 Swedish film titled “Let Me In,” which itself was an adaptation of the 2004 novel bearing the same name by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

In the 80s, this tale centers around a 12-year-old boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who’s often picked on, and his unusual friendship that blossoms into a romantic connection with a young vampire girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) living in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Upon its release, the film garnered widespread critical praise, even appearing on multiple “best movies of the year” lists.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film received an 88% score and a 7.6 out of 10 average. The consensus goes like this: ‘Just like the original in all the right places but still managing to be unique – Let Me In is a rare instance of a Hollywood remake that doesn’t tarnish its source material.’

The movie was subsequently honored with several accolades, such as the title of Best Independent Film at the National Board of Review Awards, along with awards for Best Horror and Outstanding Performance by a Younger Actor, which went to Chloe, at the Saturn Awards.

2024-12-14 16:50