not for kids
Grim, vengeful horror film well made -- but NOT for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this gory remake of the 1972 exploitation horror "classic" is absolutely not for kids (or anyone with a weak stomach), whether you watch the unrated version available on DVD or the theatrical version reviewed here. It's a nonstop barrage of bleak, terrifying, realistic, and raw scenes of sexual assault, bloody murder, and sadistic violence. And unlike many other horror films, where a supernatural entity is behind the bloodletting, here it's perfectly average people committing horrible crimes and acts of vengeance. Next to this bloodbath, the swearing, drinking, sex, and drug use may seem less egregious, but they're there all the same.
- Families can talk about the impact of seeing so many violent images on the screen. Are movies like this scarier than those that feature supernatural or other over-the-top villains? Why or why not?
- What about the fact that the camera doesn't cut away from any of thebrutal acts? How does that compare to other horror movies?
- Do youhave any sympathy for the parents who are seeking to punish thecriminals who victimized their daughter, or is their bloodlust asirredeemable as that of the movie's "bad guys"?
The good stuff
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Messages: While the film is ultimately about a father and mother punishing those who've hurt their daughter -- with several characters making important ethical and moral choices -- the film is deeply violent and frightening, with no concrete positive messages.
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Role models: Even though the parents' rage and grief is somewhat understandable, none of the movie's characters act in a way that you'd want anyone imitating.
What to watch for
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Violence: Brutal, bloody violence, including graphic stabbings and shootings, fist fights, a graphic (and protracted) rape, scuffling, falls, murder by hammer, a man's hand being wedged into an operating garbage disposal, a woman being burned with a cigarette lighter, and a man's head being exploded by being heated in a microwave while he's alive. Bloody depictions of impromptu surgery, wound cauterization, and medical care. Car crashes. A man is strangled with a seat belt, and another character is shot, point-blank, through the eye. Constant depictions of agony, suffering, and brutality.
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Sex: Some topless female nudity, and lingering shots of female characters in underwear. Sexual activity mixed with violence (including harrowing depictions of painfully realistic rape and assault).
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Language: Constant stream of strong and obscene language, including "f--k," "motherf----r," "c--t," "s--t," "balls," "screw," "whore," "jerk off," "piss," "crap," "goddamn," and much more.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters smoke marijuana and drink beer, wine, and hard liquor. One character suggests that she doesn't smoke pot anymore because of her athletic aspirations but winds up smoking anyway. An attempt to buy marijuana results in assault, rape, and murder.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Best Rape Scene Ever! by Klaive
The premise of this movie is one for which the public has been ravenously hungry.
When sadistic emotional infants possessed of weak character seek to feel powerful by victimizing the weak and stealing away their happiness, taking justice into one's own hands is the only action that satisfies. The police cannot always protect us and our criminal justice system fails to prevent recidivism.
In the case of the family featured in this movie, the only safety and peace of mind that they would enjoy would be only that which they could purchase in blood.
The rape scene in this movie is masterfully done. It is just graphic enough to allow you to develop a deep inner loathing for the scumbags committing it, while simultaneously avoiding the display of any graphic nudity throughout the scene in order to make it suitable for viewing by emotionally mature teens.
The acting on the part of Sara Paxton during the rape scene was superb.
I highly recommend this movie to any suspense fan.
5
Belongs in freak out history by redyeah
With the original being as shocking a film as they come. I thought there was no way this would even come close to making me think the writers and director were crazy. But this was just as savage and brutal. Definitely not for movie fans who are not used to extreme horror. But it was done incredibily. The ending belongs in history books everywhere.
4
Intense by hawaiianlady
What every parent would do for their child...I saw this movie the night it opened and the audience was a loud one, but when the rape scene came on, total silence. Just because it was so real, and so intense, yet very sad to see, but it happens in reality. Of course it's terrible to see and no one wants to ever experience it, but I'm glad they showed it because it's educational. Def. not for children to watch, but for everyone else to know how a raped victim feels and that it does happen...
3
eh... it could have been better by meatballa23
the rape scene was really graphic and pointless, i wanted to walk out. however, the rest of the movie was really intense and had me on the edge of my seat. i would rate it as "GO" if the rape scene wasn't as disturbing. i wouldn't recommend it to anyone with a weaker stomach.
4
The original makes this version look tame in comparison by MileHighKindBud
For all of you who go on & on about how bad this movie is, check out the original. This movie is a masterpiece in comparison. In the original, the murder, rape & torture of the girls, (neither end up living in the original), is much more drawn out & considerably more brutal, (the psychos make the girls have sex with each other, piss themselves, etc). And then when the bad guys end up at the parents house & the parents discover who they are, it just went downhill from there because any sense of realism flew right out the window.
The part in the original where the mother was giving one of the killers & BJ & bites his junk off & spits it out still stands as a serious low point in Wes Craven's otherwise excellent career.
At least the remake, (although still brutal), didn't feel like it was intentionally just trying to be gross for no reason. Watch the original, then realize that this is one of those rare cases where the remake actually outshines the original.
5
EXTREMELY REALISTIC! hard to watch, but a good movie by cspellman
The movie was very hard to watch at parts, but it was so realistic and unlike any movie i've seen before. It had me anxious the entire movie. The rape scene was very sad and made me cry, but it was portrayed very realistically. This movie definitely made me re-think some of the stuff I do. I willl not be going to any stranger's place ever again, even if it seems okay.
I definitely reccomend seeing the movie.
4
The Last House by Daydream
We all know the saying, "why do bad things happen to good people?". The Last House on the Left adds more to it by saying that bad things can happen to bad people as well. This remake of Wes Craven's 1972 horror film is graphic with realistic violence and a sadistic family of criminals who rape and murder those standing in the way of their freedom. A family unknowingly brings in the criminals that left their daughter for dead and later comes to realize who their strange visitors really are and what they did to their daughter. On the verge of losing a second child, the family exacts revenge and takes matters into their own hands. Some of the scenes are graphic (especially the drawn-out rape scene during which a female member of our audience walked out and never came back) and somewhat predictable, but overall a well-made remake. (B)
5
Best Suspense Movie of All Time! by dallascowboys249
This was truly the the best suspense move of all time. I was truly shocked as I walked out at the end of this movie! The Last House of the left was now my all-time favorite suspense movie.
I really enjoyed this movie because the whole movie was intense. After the first 10 minutes of the movie, there was not one happy moment. It was 1 hrs and 50 minutes, but it was so good that it seemed like it was only 30 minutes and I am not joking.
The Acting was very good. They chose the perfect actors for this remake.
The Directing was very very surprisingly terrific! It seemed as though this movie was more of a suspense than a horror, but who cares! It was truly awesome!
Horror movie fans, suspense fans this was the movie that you are waiting for!
I loved this movie and it is not only a MUST-SEE it is a MUST-BUY! I am definitely buying this movie on blu-ray when it comes out.
10/10 and an A+. MUST SEE!!! You wont regret it!
4
Not for the weak stomachs by ajovaag
I went in thinking it was more of a horror movie, but it's really more of a thriller/killer movie. It takes a while to get going but keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is REALLY gory and there are a few scenes I could barely stomach but it was overall a decent story line and movie. If you can't take violence, and I mean not just your typical slasher flick but seriously disturbing violence, this isn't the movie for you. But it's just a movie afterall. Teenagers beware... if you're thinking about trying to sneak into this rated R movie it won't happen. I witnessed several underaged kids get escourted out. They are strict with this one, probably because of the graphic scenes.
3
Not That Bad by hallie0113
Okay, so I saw this movie with my boyfriend and it had a very slow beginning but it got more intersting. THe thing that made me feel very very uncomfortable was the rape scene. Both me and my boyfriend had to get up and leave the theatre because it was so graphic. If you can handle that kind of stuff and other icky stuff you should go see it but if you can't i would definetely suggest you not to go.