Stephen King Once Claimed This Remake Is “The best horror movie of the new century”

Stephen King consumes a lot of horror content and often shares his insights. As an author, he has managed to squeeze some hot takes into his non-fiction work. This is why when reading the 2010 edition of Danse Macabre, some of us might be very surprised by a specific remake he praised while telling us how much he hates the original. 

Stephen King is a fan of The Last House on the Left (2009). King does not just prefer it over its predecessor. He also called it, “The best horror movie of the new century.” 

Also Read: ‘She Came from the Woods’ is a Better, Smarter Version of ‘Friday the 13th’ [Review]

The Last House on the Left remake is directed by Dennis Iliadis. The script is written by Adam Alleca and Carl Ellsworth. It is based on the 1972 Wes Craven film. It stars Garret Dillahunt, Monica Potter, Tony Goldwyn, and Aaron Paul. 

Stephen King continued raving about how great the remake is and how much he dislikes the original for pages. Anyone who has read his work knows brevity is not in his toolbox. 

“The Iliadis version is to the original what a mature artist’s painting is to the drawing of a child who shows some gleams of talent. I maintain that if Last House hadn’t come trailing the baggage of its infamous predecessor – and if it had been a foreign film that came equipped with subtitles – it would have been a critical success on the level of RepulsionDiabolique, or An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” – Stephen King, Danse Macabre 

Also Read: ‘Santo Vs. Dr. Death’ Lives Up to the Role of Being Lucha Libre’s Best Film [Blu-ray Review]

None of us had King claiming a remake of a Wes Craven movie was the best film of a century on our bingo cards. We also didn’t know how much he hated the original. Guess it goes to show that reading is fundamental. 

Let me know if you agree, or disagree, with Stephen King at @misssharai

Tags:

Categorized:

Sign up for The Harbinger a Dread Central Newsletter