The Crazies must be the weirdest episode of Justified ever. But seriously, folks, it's a remake of a 1970s Romero I've yet to see, about a chemical spill that turns people into homicidal maniacs, which our heroes would have an easier time getting away from if the military wasn't trying to contain and cover the whole thing up. I don't know if the latter is an interesting quirk - soldiers who in other movies might be the heroes as the side, even main monster - or if it gets in the way of the horror. Kind of turns into an action thriller with obnoxious jump scares. Are jump scares a cheat? Well, consider that this is a movie that presents bloodless charnel houses so that seeing dead bodies is more of a shock, so yes. In fact, gratuitous jump scares are why I can't quite recommend the movie, despite a number of fun gags I haven't seen before (the bone saw, the car wash, the garage fight). The Crazies sometimes goes for broke, but it also doesn't trust its own tension and scares, and that's too bad.
It's a tale of two "Crazies" when one compares the George Romero classic to this 2010 remake. On one hand, you have the low-budget grit and social satire of the original. On the other, you get this films focus on thrills, chills and higher production value. Although my preference tends to lean toward the OG, this film is a solid thriller. Just don't expect a reinvention of the wheel.
The first thing I noticed was the great use of real mid-west locations (Iowa to be exact). This gives the film a great sense of place, which is immensely important for selling that small town vibe. And the story starts out well, by slowly giving us a feel for the characters and the mounting threat. None of it is something we haven't seen before, but it's carried off well in this instance, with some really great set pieces and tense moments. Timothy Olyphant is a natural for the town Sheriff. Radha Mitchell is also quite strong here, as the town doctor and Sheriff's Wife. And you can't go wrong with Danielle Panabaker (though she's not given a whole lot to work with). There's also some fine make-up and effects work.
I'd like the movie a bit more if it didn't start to feel rushed after a certain point. They give some time for setup, but once things start to unravel, it happens fast. Maybe too fast. Outside the two leads, all the supporting characters become wallpaper. We get some particularly sinister sequences, but most of the action is pedestrian (there's one bit in a Car Wash that seemed kind of ludicrous). Rhada Mitchell shines in a few moments where she really conveys the grief of the losses they're suffering, but it feels like she's building on things that the script isn't offering.
If pulse pounding Horror Action is what they were trying to achieve though, it's a resounding success. Not a whole lot is going on under the surface, (save for what detail the actors are imbuing their roles with), but it's a fun ride nonetheless.
Pleasantly surprised with the quality of this film, had some good scares and makes the viewer sit tight on the edge of the seat. Overall good film, the ending could have been altered but the film was overall nicely done. I recommend viewing, just not in a hurry. 6/10
With so many awful remakes of horror classics being churned out, this was a pleasant surprise. A lot of effectively tense scenes and some effective writing and directing. I felt that some of the remorseless logic of the original Crazies was sacrificed in favour of scares, but this film stands on its own and is worth seeking out.
This movie was way better than I thought. The acting was good and the characters weren't monumentally stupid (although there were more than a few "let's go check this dark alley for zombies" moments). Unfortunately, no one got chased around by an industrial thresher, which would have been super cool like in Cars.
Oh, also the ending was pretty lame. And there is no way in hell that fetus is legitimately surviving two fistfights, a car crash and an atom bomb.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 18
ucuruju
cardboard characters, kinda predictable, dumb-ish plot... but mostly fucking awesome.Siskoid
The Crazies must be the weirdest episode of Justified ever. But seriously, folks, it's a remake of a 1970s Romero I've yet to see, about a chemical spill that turns people into homicidal maniacs, which our heroes would have an easier time getting away from if the military wasn't trying to contain and cover the whole thing up. I don't know if the latter is an interesting quirk - soldiers who in other movies might be the heroes as the side, even main monster - or if it gets in the way of the horror. Kind of turns into an action thriller with obnoxious jump scares. Are jump scares a cheat? Well, consider that this is a movie that presents bloodless charnel houses so that seeing dead bodies is more of a shock, so yes. In fact, gratuitous jump scares are why I can't quite recommend the movie, despite a number of fun gags I haven't seen before (the bone saw, the car wash, the garage fight). The Crazies sometimes goes for broke, but it also doesn't trust its own tension and scares, and that's too bad.Mrtrick
It's a tale of two "Crazies" when one compares the George Romero classic to this 2010 remake. On one hand, you have the low-budget grit and social satire of the original. On the other, you get this films focus on thrills, chills and higher production value. Although my preference tends to lean toward the OG, this film is a solid thriller. Just don't expect a reinvention of the wheel.The first thing I noticed was the great use of real mid-west locations (Iowa to be exact). This gives the film a great sense of place, which is immensely important for selling that small town vibe. And the story starts out well, by slowly giving us a feel for the characters and the mounting threat. None of it is something we haven't seen before, but it's carried off well in this instance, with some really great set pieces and tense moments. Timothy Olyphant is a natural for the town Sheriff. Radha Mitchell is also quite strong here, as the town doctor and Sheriff's Wife. And you can't go wrong with Danielle Panabaker (though she's not given a whole lot to work with). There's also some fine make-up and effects work.
I'd like the movie a bit more if it didn't start to feel rushed after a certain point. They give some time for setup, but once things start to unravel, it happens fast. Maybe too fast. Outside the two leads, all the supporting characters become wallpaper. We get some particularly sinister sequences, but most of the action is pedestrian (there's one bit in a Car Wash that seemed kind of ludicrous). Rhada Mitchell shines in a few moments where she really conveys the grief of the losses they're suffering, but it feels like she's building on things that the script isn't offering.
If pulse pounding Horror Action is what they were trying to achieve though, it's a resounding success. Not a whole lot is going on under the surface, (save for what detail the actors are imbuing their roles with), but it's a fun ride nonetheless.
Jayhawker4
Pleasantly surprised with the quality of this film, had some good scares and makes the viewer sit tight on the edge of the seat. Overall good film, the ending could have been altered but the film was overall nicely done. I recommend viewing, just not in a hurry. 6/10jarudet
Meh.the3rdman
I agree with ChrisReynolds. A worthwhile remake also because the original is somewhat obscure. Hope they don't mess with Martin though.ChrisReynolds
With so many awful remakes of horror classics being churned out, this was a pleasant surprise. A lot of effectively tense scenes and some effective writing and directing. I felt that some of the remorseless logic of the original Crazies was sacrificed in favour of scares, but this film stands on its own and is worth seeking out.FayeLikesPie
After reading the plot, I didn't expect this movie to be decent at all. Pleasantly surprised by it. Wasn't feeling the ending though.msdenardin
Almost a great movie.stefenemie
Not quite well written enough for non horror fans and not quite gory enough for most horror fans. I liked it though I didn't love it.mook
I've seen the original once and remember not liking it, but this was an effective mini-apocalyptic survival horror. 6/10.Follow me on Twitter @LastMovieSeen
Mithrilmojo
I had skipped this thinking it was just another torture porn, but was surprised by how good it turned out to be. My first real surprise of the year.cubesofspinach
The ending of this movie pissed me off more than anything ever.MagicalEddie
This movie was way better than I thought. The acting was good and the characters weren't monumentally stupid (although there were more than a few "let's go check this dark alley for zombies" moments). Unfortunately, no one got chased around by an industrial thresher, which would have been super cool like in Cars.Oh, also the ending was pretty lame. And there is no way in hell that fetus is legitimately surviving two fistfights, a car crash and an atom bomb.
Giacco
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