Well, what can I say, apart from disappointing.
Although this version of the book took on a different slant, and referred to characters missing from the 1979 version,I personally do not think it was for the better.
Unfortunately, I found Rob Lowe's performance as Ben Mears unconvincing, Donald Sutherland seemed to have been taking some form of medication and made Straker seem more like Father Christmas than terrifyingly chilling, Susan was unrecognisable from the book or 1979 version (now working as a waitress in her family's café rather than teaching at Holly Elementary), and as for Matt Burke, what can I say apart from his part obviously made the film politically correct.
The ridiculous upbeat version of 'Painted Black' at the end of the film was the worst thing and made a mockery of the whole story, it would have been far better to stick with something chilling that would have done this version justice.
I didn't find this a compelling film to watch like the 1979 version and it seemed to miss some of the 'edge of the seat' ingredients which the first one had.
I always thought a new version would be different, however in my opinion was certainly not better. All of the characters in the original were more believable and better cast.
I just live in hope that the next version is not only horrifying, chilling and full of suspense, but manages to be more true to the book.
I still think David Soul rocks, sorry Rob!
Although this version of the book took on a different slant, and referred to characters missing from the 1979 version,I personally do not think it was for the better.
Unfortunately, I found Rob Lowe's performance as Ben Mears unconvincing, Donald Sutherland seemed to have been taking some form of medication and made Straker seem more like Father Christmas than terrifyingly chilling, Susan was unrecognisable from the book or 1979 version (now working as a waitress in her family's café rather than teaching at Holly Elementary), and as for Matt Burke, what can I say apart from his part obviously made the film politically correct.
The ridiculous upbeat version of 'Painted Black' at the end of the film was the worst thing and made a mockery of the whole story, it would have been far better to stick with something chilling that would have done this version justice.
I didn't find this a compelling film to watch like the 1979 version and it seemed to miss some of the 'edge of the seat' ingredients which the first one had.
I always thought a new version would be different, however in my opinion was certainly not better. All of the characters in the original were more believable and better cast.
I just live in hope that the next version is not only horrifying, chilling and full of suspense, but manages to be more true to the book.
I still think David Soul rocks, sorry Rob!