I wasn't expecting a ton from this, and honestly only recently became interested in it. Not having watched the original(I wouldn't mind doing so, I like Romero a lot), I can't make any comparisons. I agree with those that put forth that this doesn't go anywhere the genre hasn't been before, and that the presentation itself doesn't either, however, it is a largely solid entry(that certainly delivers), and that deserves recognition. This is intense from start to finish. The reason it is, and why it works, is that character development and build-up of atmosphere are smooth and occur as a by-product of what happens. Instead of slowing down in pace to flesh anyone out or very clearly set something up, it manages to do both in a natural way. It feels realistic, to an extent. This is terrifying, eerie and creepy. There are a handful of cheap tricks used, and there are many jump scares. Not everything leads anywhere, though the pay-offs tend to be marvelous. I applaud the psychology that does make it into this; some paranoia and you do get glimpses of the impact it has on people to be in an unnerving situation for a long time. The dialog has great moments. Editing and cinematography are mostly good, with a few exceptions where you can't quite tell what's going on. The FX are excellent in all respects. There is plenty of bloody violence(at times brutal) and disturbing content, a little gore(nearly invariably impeccably effectively used), and occasional strong language in this, and none of it is gratuitous. I recommend this to every fan of horror. Not an action flick, not a revolutionary piece, but definitely an enjoyable trip to the cinema. 7/10
Review of The Crazies
