The Crazies(2010)(Review) - Gruesome Gazette

During the remake renaissance of the 00’s, studios were churning out more products than crowds really knew what to do with. For every one decent remake we got, there were four pieces of garbage to accompany the release schedule. And for every three decent ones out of those we’d get in a year, there was only one or two that were much grander in their presentation. One of those particular remakes that really stands above many others is the remake of George A. Romero’s 1974 classic ‘The Crazies’.

In the small farming town of Ogden Marsh, on a typical day, things just begin to take a turn for the strange. A community that is full of people who know everybody, suddenly seems to become full of strangers who don’t recognize – or care for – each other. What starts out as an isolated incident of a farmer wandering onto a fully-loaded baseball field with a shotgun turns out to be the precursor for a bigger conspiracy. Not only is everyone beginning to act oddly, but they are also becoming brutally violent. And as local law enforcement tries to reach out for help, the army invades the town to quarantine everybody and clean up their own mess – which turns out to be a bio-weapon that was accidentally released upon this quiet town.

This movie stands out in the sea of remakes by simply doing what fans hope for from one – it’s faithful to the original tone and story of the 70s incarnation, but makes it contemporary, fun, exciting, gory, and downright scary. We get scenes of mass hysteria, as well as small-scale attacks involving things such as pitchforks and a car wash, and so many great set pieces that are all filmed beautifully. It’s also a great thing to have some strong actors like Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, and Joe Anderson involved. The direction in itself is bold and unapologetic, allowing a story from one of horror’s greatest to have a chance at a second life with a newer audience.

In contrast, Romero’s version definitely spends more time delving into the psychology and actions of the army and its scientists, whereas here we are simply following the survivors. It allows us to feel the tension of every encounter without bouncing between too many narratives, which in turn makes it a straight thrill ride from beginning to end. The tension is also ratcheted up, complete with jump scares and a growing sense of dread, whereas the original really felt more like a mystery thriller by comparison.

Simply my opinion here: While the original is still a great film, this remake is arguably better – if only for the simple reason that it may just be more entertaining. If you’ve never caught this one (either version, for that matter), I encourage you to do so. It’s a vicious, nasty little film that doesn’t go too far into the torture-porn category, but has more violence than a standard release usually has. It’s also smarter, sleeker, and goes further than you may expect.

4/5
“The Crazies” is currently streaming for free on Vudu.

‘Til Next Time,
Mike Cleopatra