Carrie

1976’s Carrie is often regarded as one the best horror films so it comes as no surprise that we’d eventually see a remake of Stephen King’s novel. Chloë Grace Moretz stars as Carrie, a young high school senior who has been ostracized and bullied by her classmates. Her deranged mother’s overly-religious views only make Carrie’s weirdness stand out more among her classmates. Graced with telekinetic powers, she will soon have her revenge.

Carrie is essentially a scene-for-scene remake of Drian De Palma’s classic film based on King’s novel. There are no surprises if you’re at all familiar with the original as it’s a relatively faithful adaptation. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you’re expecting a reimagining of the story, you’re in for some disappointment.

After being bullied and tormented by her classmates, Carrie (Moretz) seems to have caught a break when the best looking guy in the school asks her to prom. What should have been a happy memory soon turns to horror when a prank gone too far pushes Carrie to the edge and she uses her newfound telekinetic powers to enact her revenge on those who hurt her.

With roles in Let Me In, Dark Shadows, and Kick-Ass under her belt, it’s no surprise to see Chloë Grace Moretz take on the titular role of Carrie. She plays the role well, although as pretty as she is, it’s somewhat difficult to believe that she would be bullied in such a manner as seen in the film. She’s far from the outcast Sissy Spacek was in the original, although the production does its best at making her look disheveled with ill-fitting clothes and unkempt hair.

The real solid performance comes from Julianne Moore as Carrie’s mother Margaret White. She’s this crazed, god-fearing, lunatic of a woman who is frightening in nearly every scene she’s in. Even though she tries to be comforting to Carrie at times, you can sense her repulsive nature. I wish the film would have gone into their relationship with each other a little more, though. There was the opportunity to Carrie coming to terms with her powers and how that influences her relationship with her mom, but the film plays it safe and sticks to what’s already been done before.

There’s nothing wrong with Carrie as both Moretz and Moore give solid performances, but the film tries too hard to be exactly like the original. There’s nothing new. It’s a satisfying enough remake of a great film. Just don’t go in expecting anything more.