‘Chainsaw Massacre’ remake is just as terrifying

Evan Marmol

“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is a classic reborn.

This seminal horror flick is revamped without straying from, or

betraying, the terrifying tale that captivated decades ago. To its

credit, the updates suffuse the audience with suspense that stills

the patrons and jolts them during bloodcurdling gasps, chills and

near leaps from their seats. This popcorn cult classic will leave you

with beads of perspiration on your brow and a yammering heart.

As in the original, a group of hapless youths on a road-trip

venture into a nearly deserted hamlet seemingly inhabited exclusively

by deranged murderers. Most vicious of the town-folk is the infamous

Leather Face, a chainsaw wielding freak-show that wears the hides of

his victims. This cheery group of sojourners quickly becomes the

quarry for this town in this tireless flick.

This film is as successful for the gore that is shows as for what

it leaves to the greatest device for terror, the human imagination.

The film utilizes the classic Hitchcock style of chilling the

audience to the marrow by allowing them to only ponder on the

possibilities, but there are copious amounts of gore for the

imagination impaired.

The acting can be flat-footed at moments, but that is nearly

impossible to notice over the sheer terror of this film. “The Texas

Chainsaw Massacre” is a macabre masterpiece that is a must-see.

* EVAN MARMOL is Laguna Beach resident. He graduated from UC

Irvine with a degree in psychology and social behavior.