Review: 'The Crazies' takes chilling to whole new level
Randy Moorhead
Issue date: 3/5/10 Section: Features
Well now, this is a shocker. Generally, when a horror film is set to be remade, it is doomed to swim the bloody seas of mediocrity. (I'm looking at you "Friday the 13th"…among others.) However, "Sahara" director Breck Eisner has actually crafted a solid remake. "The Crazies" utilizes unique locales, white-knuckle intensity and unexpected scares to form a devilishly fun thrill ride from start to finish.
In "The Crazies," a remake of the 1973 George A. Romero film of the same name, the people of Ogden Marsh, IA, begin to fall prey to homicidal insanity after a biological weapon is accidentally leaked into the town's water supply. I hope that wasn't too much of a spoiler for you, because it doesn't really matter in the end. What really matters is watching the two main characters, David and Judy (Timothy Olyphant and Radha Mitchell), struggle to escape a town amok with maniacs while dodging the military, who has been ordered to "contain" the area.
Yes, it may be a cliché way to start a zombie movie, but the remainder of the film actually manages to remain obscenely intense. "The Crazies" is basically a chain of unique and frightening fight sequences. But it actually ends up working. Who would've thought that Iowa, of all places, would be the perfect set for a horror film? "The Crazies" finds tension in the most mundane of places. Props to "The Crazies" for featuring the scariest scene in cinema involving a car wash.
Eisner doesn't stint away from delivering the scares either. There are plenty of "boo!" sequences throughout, but there are also an abundant amount of scenes that simply pan away, revealing something sinister lurking in the backdrop. Chills will ensue. I wasn't expecting to be frightened as much as I was.
"The Crazies" isn't without its faults, however. The film often falls into the territory of being unintentionally funny; therefore triggering uncontrollable giggling during scenes that should be considered serious. The acting remained solid, but never reached impressive. I never felt emotionally attached to any of the characters. The dialogue is also sometimes painful to hear, but the movie still somehow flows well. There was no stopping the thrills that this movie delivered.
Overall, "The Crazies" is a good zombie romp that should be enjoyed for what it is; pure B-movie fun. There really isn't any looming message to be found here, but it's an acceptably solid horror film. I had an enjoyable time seeing Iowa burn like hell. But who could blame me? After these cold and dreary winter months, hell would be a welcoming sight for any Iowan.
In "The Crazies," a remake of the 1973 George A. Romero film of the same name, the people of Ogden Marsh, IA, begin to fall prey to homicidal insanity after a biological weapon is accidentally leaked into the town's water supply. I hope that wasn't too much of a spoiler for you, because it doesn't really matter in the end. What really matters is watching the two main characters, David and Judy (Timothy Olyphant and Radha Mitchell), struggle to escape a town amok with maniacs while dodging the military, who has been ordered to "contain" the area.
Yes, it may be a cliché way to start a zombie movie, but the remainder of the film actually manages to remain obscenely intense. "The Crazies" is basically a chain of unique and frightening fight sequences. But it actually ends up working. Who would've thought that Iowa, of all places, would be the perfect set for a horror film? "The Crazies" finds tension in the most mundane of places. Props to "The Crazies" for featuring the scariest scene in cinema involving a car wash.
Eisner doesn't stint away from delivering the scares either. There are plenty of "boo!" sequences throughout, but there are also an abundant amount of scenes that simply pan away, revealing something sinister lurking in the backdrop. Chills will ensue. I wasn't expecting to be frightened as much as I was.
"The Crazies" isn't without its faults, however. The film often falls into the territory of being unintentionally funny; therefore triggering uncontrollable giggling during scenes that should be considered serious. The acting remained solid, but never reached impressive. I never felt emotionally attached to any of the characters. The dialogue is also sometimes painful to hear, but the movie still somehow flows well. There was no stopping the thrills that this movie delivered.
Overall, "The Crazies" is a good zombie romp that should be enjoyed for what it is; pure B-movie fun. There really isn't any looming message to be found here, but it's an acceptably solid horror film. I had an enjoyable time seeing Iowa burn like hell. But who could blame me? After these cold and dreary winter months, hell would be a welcoming sight for any Iowan.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Bryan McGarry
posted 3/05/10 @ 12:39 PM CST
First of all George A. Romero is a god when it comes to making and directing zombie movies I mean like look at Land of The Dead and etc. This movie was downright horrible. (Continued…)
Randy Moorhead
posted 3/05/10 @ 11:12 PM CST
Yes, George A. Romero is the god of zombie movies. And yes, the plot is overdone. But I totally disagree with your stance on this film. George A. Romero's original is probably one of his worst films. (Continued…)
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