I've said it before and I'll say it again: 2009 has been pretty good to us horror fans.Culminating, thus far, in an embarassment of riches: today opens Rob Zombie's Halloween 2 and The Final Destination.
Two horror giants (i.e. "studio backed") face off. Who will win this weekend?
There are lovers and haters of both series but let's do a quick Pro and Con tally to see where your horror dollar could go...
THE FINAL DESTINATION:
Pros:
As the deaths are more about Rube Goldberg extravaganzas rather than hulking men with implements of destruction, I can't think of a better horror franchise that would benefit from Real D 3-D technology.
This is a film where you'll really be missing something if you don't catch it in the theater.
Most importantly: the films are fun. Teens trying to beat death. It appeals to boys and girls, men and women.
Cons:
Could just be a silly gimmick to get butts in seats. Are there REALLY any new over-the-top ways to kill off teens today? When does it become a parody of itself the way the Saw movies have been leaning ever closer to?
Lastly: Adding the world "The" in the title makes me sound like an old man when said aloud.
"Do you want to go see THE Final Destination? How about listening to THE Led Zeppelin and eating THE Licorice Whips?"
HALLOWEEN 2:Pros:
Zombie says (and the media machine would have you believe) that he has free reign on this one.
Crippled by having to tell the origin story in remake form for the 1st, this film allows him to do whatever he wants with the Myers mythology.
Many of his fans do a side by side with House of 1000 Corpses and The Devils Rejects under the same excuses. But many consider Rejects to be the superior film because of these reasons.
Relieving Zombie of rules could liberate the director and allow this stale series to be elevated to something noteworthy.
Cons:
Early screenshots and set reports say Michael Myers is a homeless hobo for a time, sporting a Grizzly Adams-like beard. Umm... what now?
The horror community is still stinging from turning the remake of one of their beloved series into a screaming hillbilly match and overexplanations that remove the mystery and fear from a beloved um, serial killer. Rob has a lot of work to do to win back these folks. The torches are already lit.
So there it is. Take your pick. Or wait for the reviews and/or box-office returns of Monday do the deciding for you.
If you DO go to something, let me know which and why in the comments below.
2 comments:
I think I'll save my money & buy the Trick R Treat DVD.
Now THAT is thinking outside the box.
;)
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