“You will know her name!”
If you saw the trailer of Carrie and thought that it just copied Gladys Reyes’ 1997 film Anak ng Dilim then you’re assuming it wrong. You should know that it is based on famous writer Stephen King’s 1974 best-selling novel and it is also a remake of the 1976 film directed by Scarface’s Brian De Palma.
Brian De Palma’s close friend Kimberly Peirce decided to retell a modern take of the story. The remake still centers on Carrie White (Chloe Grace Moretz), a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom.
Besides some changes and the application of modern technologies, the film feels like a straight remake of the De Palma’s version instead of creating its own version of terror. One of the problems of having seen the original, you can’t help comparing it with the remake. You weighed which film handled the scene better. I kept on doing this all throughout the film.
With the announcement of Chloe Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore taking on the iconic roles of Carrie and her mother, I was excited to see what they will bring to these roles. I mean, who doesn’t want to see Hit Girl fight off bullies with real powers? After seeing the film last Wednesday, I will say that Sissy Spacek is still my Carrie. Whether she has to be a shy school girl or a telekinetic monster, her expressions and acting nailed it. Moretz was not able to match her performance. To be fair, it’s a tough act to accomplish but she still good for a modern version of the character. Not bad actually. I was still able to sympathize for her. I was a bit disappointed with Julianne Moore. Based on the trailers and clips plus the fact that she’s an amazing actress, I was rooting for her to give a chilling performance but surprisingly she didn’t. She lacks impact of what Piper Laurie brought to the role. Laurie’s performance resonated more to me. Moore’s attack to the role was a bit toned version of that. My impression of her was more of a crazy person than highly religious.
There is a saying that “nothing beats the original” and most of the time it is true in this film. Scenes like Carrie’s first period, the girls’ detention at the field and the final confrontation are tenser in the original. The reimagining of those scenes is fine in modern context but it didn’t match the same feeling I had before. For the remake’s credit, it has some good decisions like adding nice scenes that worked. For instance, there’s the principal office scene where Chris’ dad defends his daughter to get her prom rights back. I like this remake’s versions of Sue Snell and Tommy Ross. Newcomer Ansel Elgort fits the film’s bad boy who charmed the lonely lead. Gabriella Wilde was given more scenes to tackle Sue’s inner struggles. They even tackle her pregnancy side plot which was omitted in the original. I also like Judy Greer here despite missing the toughness and warmth of Betty Buckley.
Now onto the iconic prom scene, this is the film’s most anticipated moment. In the 1970s, the scene drenched its audience in buckets of blood and was one of the memorable horror moments in film history. Did the remake relive the terror with justice? Moretz and Elgort manage to make it a dream night for Carrie. There is still the “tense” factor for the audience in the build-up of the prank. With the advantage of having the advance visual effects to show off the full wrath of Carrie’s powers, Peirce decided to amp the violence with its utilization but I didn’t feel it helped to make the scene as horrifying as it should be. It reminded me of the death scenes in the Final Destination series. I also noticed that Carrie is more in controlled here. She gets to cry for Tommy and she spared a life. This is fine with me because it shows there’s humanity left in her. As for the original, she’s a killing machine and no life was spared which makes it more effective. Overall, it just looks good that Carrie can now fly and kill in a more creative way but not terrifying enough.
Like what I have mentioned, my experience of watching this remake was a game of “which film did it the best?” and the original 1976 film won for me overall. It may be a disappointment but I’m not calling it terrible. It’s actually a decent horror film. It’s just that my expectations were not met. Honestly, I think if you haven’t seen the original, you’ll appreciate it more. What is still apparent is the interesting Stephen King story centering on the tragedy of bullying and how the fate of Carrie is a proof of that. Bullying is wrong. Like all the previous adaptations, the message is also loud and clear here.
Verdict:
Carrie disappointingly stands in the shadow of the classic 1976 original film for the fans but for a new audience who still doesn’t know her, I think you’ll be a bit appreciative of her and a lesser bully critically.
—————
About the movie reviewer:
Orange Magazine TV‘s newest film critic is a self-confessed movie geek. John Albert Villanueva loves movies so much, he watch every movies from the big screen and collects DVDs of classic movies. Read his other review
90 Comments
In reviewing *Carrie*, Brian De Palma’s 1976 horror masterpiece, one might compare the protagonist’s struggle for control to the careful craftsmanship of a coin purse designer Just as a designer meticulously shapes each purse, Carrie’s ability to control her powers mirrors the precision of creating something beautiful yet dangerous—fragile, yet powerful.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and also the rest of the website is extremely good.
Great, thanks for sharing this post.
This is one awesome blog post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It’s the little changes that will make the most important changes. Many thanks for sharing!
A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you ought to write more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo matter but usually people don’t talk about such subjects. To the next! Many thanks!!
Really appreciate you sharing this blog.Really thank you! Really Cool.
This is a topic that is near to my heart… Take care! Exactly where are your contact details though?
You should be a part of a contest for one of the highest quality websites on the net. I most certainly will recommend this site!
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
Great blog.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
Im grateful for the article post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Spending some time and actual effort to produce a superb articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I put things off a lot and never seem to get anything done.
I really like and appreciate your blog.Much thanks again. Really Great.
Thanks so much for the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
This is the perfect site for everyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need toÖHaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject that has been written about for a long time. Excellent stuff, just great!
Thanks-a-mundo for the blog post. Keep writing.
Thank you ever so for you blog.
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the issues. It was really informative. Your site is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
There’s definately a lot to know about this topic. I really like all of the points you made.
Really enjoyed this article post.Really thank you! Want more.
Thank you for your article.Much thanks again. Cool.
You made some really good points there. I checked on the net for additional information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.
Im grateful for the blog.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Thanks again for the blog. Really Cool.
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Thanks!
I truly appreciate this article.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe this site needs far more attention. Iíll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the info!
Wonderful post! We will be linking to this great content on our website. Keep up the great writing.
I loved your blog post.Really thank you! Awesome.
This is a great tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate infoÖ Thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!
Hi there! This article could not be written much better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I will send this post to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a great read. Many thanks for sharing!
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I believe that you should write more on this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but usually people do not discuss these topics. To the next! Many thanks!!
This is one awesome post.Much thanks again. Want more.
I want to to thank you for this great read!! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to look at new things you postÖ
I really enjoy the blog.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Great blog.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Many thanks!
Im obliged for the post.Really thank you! Cool.
Major thanks for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
Very neat article.Really thank you! Awesome.
Great blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
I think this is a real great blog article. Great.
Thanks for the blog.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Thanks a lot for the article post.Thanks Again. Want more.
Thanks so much for the post. Keep writing.
This is the right blog for anybody who wants to understand this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want toÖHaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject which has been discussed for ages. Great stuff, just excellent!
Great, thanks for sharing this blog post.Thanks Again.
I want to to thank you for this great read!! I definitely loved every bit of it. I have got you book-marked to check out new stuff you postÖ
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your site is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
After looking at a number of the blog posts on your site, I honestly like your technique of blogging. I added it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my website too and let me know your opinion.
Looking forward to reading more. Great article post.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
Thanks for the article post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
I really enjoy the post.Much thanks again. Will read on…
I am so grateful for your article post. Fantastic.
Enjoyed every bit of your blog.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be exciting to read articles from other writers and use a little something from other sites.
Excellent blog you have got here.. Itís difficult to find quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Say, you got a nice article.Really thank you! Really Cool.
Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It’s the little changes that make the most important changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Enjoyed every bit of your article post.Really thank you! Want more.
Iím amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog thatís both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that too few people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I came across this in my search for something relating to this.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic post. Fantastic.
Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this informative article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
Hi there! This blog post could not be written much better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a great read. Thank you for sharing!
I think this is a real great blog article. Really Great.
Muchos Gracias for your blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
Great, thanks for sharing this article post.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
Excellent web site you have here.. Itís hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be interesting to read through articles from other writers and use something from other web sites.
Very good article post. Much obliged.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post plus the rest of the site is extremely good.
Great, thanks for sharing this blog.Much thanks again. Awesome.
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact bought me dinner simply because I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this issue here on your site.
wow, awesome post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
I really like and appreciate your blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
Really appreciate you sharing this blog.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
I think this is a real great article post.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Excellent article! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the good writing.
Really enjoyed this blog.Really thank you! Will read on…
Thanks-a-mundo for the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
You should take part in a contest for one of the highest quality sites on the net. I will highly recommend this web site!
You’re so cool! I don’t think I’ve read a single thing like that before. So wonderful to discover somebody with genuine thoughts on this subject. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
Your style is unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this web site.
I blog often and I truly appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I will take a note of your site and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.
Im thankful for the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Thank you for providing this info.
I really like and appreciate your blog.Really thank you! Awesome.
I value the blog article. Want more.