| Overall Grade: |
C- |
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| Story: |
C- |
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| Acting: |
B- |
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| Direction: |
C- |
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| Visuals: |
B- |
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Why Bother?
by 30 Second Critic (movies profile)
Apr 11, 2007
201
of
282 people found this review helpful
Written and directed by Neil LaBute and starring Nicholas Cage and Ellen Burstyn, this is a remake of an old British cult thriller from the 60's. I was compelled to see it based on an appreciation of LaBute and Cage's work in the past. This, however, is far from their best.
Cage plays a cop who after witnessing a terrible accident ends up on a search for a missing girl on a remote island off the coast of Washington State. LaBute has changed very little from what I remember of the original and at the end of the day, why bother with a remake if you don't put your personal stamp on it?
Ellen Burstyn now plays Sister Summerisle, as opposed to Christopher Lee in the original as Lord Summerisle. Besides that key role, the rest of the story is basically the same. Besides, Christopher Lee, the original also starred a young Edward Woodward, who has since gone on to a terrific career in film and TV (does anyone remember "The Equalizer"?). Also in smaller roles are Francis Conroy (Six Feet Under) and Molly Parker (Deadwood), both trying to find work after HBO. As both are very talented actresses, I'm sure better films will come along.
If you are unfamiliar with the original, you will probably find this new version somewhat suspenseful and an interesting thriller. If you remember the original, save your time and money and rent the DVD. |
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