Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • March 25, 2009 Horror film remake is tale of vengeance by Dennis Seuling Horror films at the multiplex show up as regularly as the first migrant birds of spring. Modestly budgeted horror films can turn a profit without the presence of stars. These films have a loyal core audience and lately they have pushed the envelope of taste even further with graphic scenes. “The Last House on the Left” is a remake of the 1972 Wes Craven film which, at that time, shocked audiences with its grim, relentless saga of two girls set upon by a gang of sociopaths. The current version, not for the faint of heart, deals with comfortable family life turned upside down and inside out after two affluent girls encounter a gang of thugs on the lam. Teenaged Mari Collingwood (Sara Paxton) and her parents are staying at their country home. Mari and pal Paige (Martha McIsaac) are kidnapped by four thugs wanted by the cops. Led by Krug (Garret Dillahunt), they steal Mari’s car, drive the girls to a remote spot in the woods, and torture them psychologically and physically. Mari eventually escapes after a car crash and struggles to make her way back home. Meanwhile, Krug and associates arrive, unknowingly, at Mari’s home, asking for help. Dr. John Collingwood and wife Emma (Tony Goldwyn, Monica Potter) treat their injuries and put them up in their guesthouse. When Mari barely makes it back and her parents dis- Aaron Paul, Garret Dillahunt, Spencer Treat Clark and Riki Lindhome are unexpected visitors in ‘The Last House on the Left.’ cover what has happened to her, clues point to their houseguests as the perpetrators. Distraught and outraged, they determine to exact revenge. By this time, audience sympathy lies with the parents. Director Dennis Iliadis throws in some touches to justify their vigilante-style plan. A storm has blacked out the power. There is no telephone service, and no cars are on hand to make a getaway. The parents are on their own to deal with four dangerous criminals. The film has above-average performances by Goldwyn, Paxton, and Spencer Treat Clark as one of the four kidnappers who just might have some conscience. Dillahunt’s Krug is frightening because of his wild-eyed determination to assert power over both his own crew and the girls. This is a man who will employ savagery as (continued on Crossword page) State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 1 $ 00 VT On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 2 VT