The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

release year: 2003
genre: horror
viewing setting: theater, 10/17/03

synopsis: Five teenagers drive through the wrong remote area of Texas and fall prey to some insane people.

impressions: This was little more than a slicker version of the 1974 "classic." Note that I'm being sarcastic. I didn't like that one much and I didn't like this one much either. Scary? Yes, they were - this one moreso even. The problem is that it's scary because it's so f***ed-up, what with the lunatics and all that. Also, these teens were just stupid - there comes a point in every bad situation where you have to realize that the normal rules of life don't apply and thus you must take charge and do something drastic. The teens in this movie didn't get that, and so they became chopped meat (literally.) To the filmmakers' credit, I'll say that they did an outstanding job of drawing the viewer into the claustrophobic world on the screen. This movie may make you squirm.

things to watch for: This movie is filled with weird and grisly things that will disturb 99.9% of viewers.

something this movie has that no other movie has: A guy who hangs people on meat hooks then cuts their faces off to use as masks.

acting: The standout was R. Lee Ermey (the drill sergeant from Full Metal Jacket) as the local sheriff. He really did a great job of making his character...unique. Jessica Biel was pretty good as the main victim (i.e. the one who outlives the others.)

body count: 7 verified.

final word: So weird it's disturbing. I will not need to watch this again.

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