Stephen King’s
novel about the outcast teen with telekinetic powers has been adapted
previously; once in the 1976 theatrical release by Brian De Palma, and again as
a TV movie a little over a decade ago. This was the first of King’s novels to
be adapted into a film and was such a phenomenal success the first time around
that it comes as no surprise that there have been skeptics of a new version. If
anyone is equipped to handle this content in a new way, however, it is director
Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry, Stop-Loss). For my exclusive interview
with Peirce, click here.
In some
respects, this material needs a feminine perspective to guide the story,
refraining from the type of exploitation which would ultimately damage the
film’s message. There are actual teenagers cast in the roles of high school
students, rather than the unnecessarily nubile twenty-year-olds from De Palma’s
version. Rather than simply offering up the prerequisite skin and gore for a
horror film, Peirce’s Carrie is an
introspective look at the damaging effects of bullying built into a brutal
revenge film.
Chloë Grace Moretz steps into the role of the
shy and religious Carrie White, a sharp shift after playing bolder roles such
her contribution to the Kick-Ass franchise.
As well as offering us an actress playing the age she actually is, this version
of Carrie also offers her more support and strength. The telekinetic powers are
enough for Carrie to fight back against her aggressively religious mother
(Julianne Moore), and even in her rage she has the sense to recognize and
protect those who were friendly to her.
The Blu-ray
combo pack comes with a DVD and a digital copy of the film. Exclusive to the
Blu-ray is an alternate ending which tacks on a dream sequence which misses
logic required to take it seriously. There are many other deleted and alternate
scenes as well, and three featurettes about everything from the production to
telekinesis. There is also a commentary track with Peirce, which is easily the
best of the extras.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
Disc Features: 7/10
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