This is what more standard horror films should aspire to be like. Yes, it does have its share of gore but it's not gratuitous. A suspenseful horror film wants to have a balance between on and offscreen violence. If you always see the psycho with the chainsaw bearing down on his victims, you'll quickly become desensitized to the terror that inflicts. But, as a horror fan, you do want to see some decapitations and a fair share of blood. Director Marcus Nispel skillfully handles the material. He seems to come from the David Fincher/Michael Bay school of directing which involves elaborate camera manipulation, rapid-fire editing, a lot of steadicam work, seamless CGI and deft cinematography. A reinvention of a horror classic like TCM would demand an elevation in style otherwise it'd be hard to surpass the original. The 1973 version was so unexpected and controversial that audiences were practically appalled by its content. 21st century audiences are hard to faze so the film would need to be technically adept to keep its viewers interested. Nispel does not disappoint. The film is well-paced and builds in suspense to a great, unexpected climax. I liked the deviations from the original: the added Hewitt family members, the Leatherface backstory, the kidnapping subplot and the new ending. All the teenagers were good. Jessica Biel was especially impressive and looked truly terrified throughout the film but she also possessed nuances of determination and integrity which keep her three-dimensionality. Leatherface is an imposing figure and scary as hell. He's not portrayed as openly as in the original and therefore he comes off much more mysterious and ultimately more frightening. The new TCM is a great time at the multiplex and definitely gives you your money's worth. Check it out if you like scary, stylish movies.
