After multiple date changes, this remake of the 1971 film of the same name was finally released straight to DVD this week and it was very good.
Crispin Glover stars as the misfit who befriends a rat and ends up getting his own back on those who have bullied him througout his life.
The film is wonderfully shot and brilliantly acted with great performances from Glover as well as R. Lee Ermey as his asshole boss and Laura Elena Harring as a potential love interest.
There are plenty of welcome references to the original and it’s sequel as well as ‘Psycho’, which shows that Director Glen Morgan admires the films and intended to treat the material respectfully.
It is testament to Glover’s acting ability that throughout the film we are able to truly feel sorry for Willard as he makes the character likeable and we end up rooting for him.
OVERALL SUMMARY
A well made dark thriller would have been more effective if it were slightly scarier. Whilst the film was well received by most critics it performed poorly at the box-office. Hopefully the DVD will see it attract a new audience of more mature members.
