Now, I'm a film nut, have been all my life. TCM is one of those films that will live in cinema history, both for the goofy hype all around it for years and for being one of the seminal slasher flicks, and benchmark of the genre. Who in horror movie circles has not heard of Leatherface? This was a film that helped establish Tobe Hooper, and was a 'stalker/killer' film in the best sense: for all that there was gore and killing, there was actually background story that made sense, as well, and the film didn't depend on shredded bodies. The conspiracy behind them was just as real...and the situation was believable (to an extent, I'm talking horror movies here).
Now, I ask you, should a truly 'classic' film be remade? I say no. I say leave them as they are. Restoration, sure, kep that bit of history looking good, so more can experience it. But to remake it? This is history, boy, who do you think you are? Would you be so bold as to think you could do a better job of Casablanca? To Kill A Mockingbird? The Maltese Falcon? Rocky? The Godfather? Star Wars? Come on...don't be disrespectful. Besides, can't you think of something new to do, instead of just "reimagining" someone else's work? Not impressed.
But anyway, this is already made, whether I like it or not. And I see that the film trailer is available on the website...so, with a hopeful mind, I give it a watch.
*sigh* They did exactly what I feared they would do. Not only did they CHANGE THE FUCKING STORY, they made it into a Gen-X Teen Scare Flick, complete with beautiful young girls in tank tops and short-shorts, scruffy but ruggedly handsome guys, and tough-talking hero-dude trying to stand up to what will most likely be his doom. Add in creative lighting, slow-zoom camera shots, (not so)subtle shadow-scares, and some popular music, and you're done, simmer until the premiere.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR...fuckin' Hollywood.