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Stephen King has never been shy about sharing his feelings on whatever’s happening in the horror space. From new releases to classics, odds are, Stephen King has had something to say about it, though he regularly veers more positive.
Most everyone knows by now that King can barely stomach Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining, though King is more often a champion, singing the praises of whatever his most recent watch is, even if that watch is something like this year’s Night Swim.
We’ve shared before that King is, interestingly, a big fan of Dennis Iliadis’ 2009 remake of The Last House on the Left, though what many might not know is that King pretty much despises Wes Craven’s original.
What Did Stephen King Say About The Film?
According to FarOut Magazine, while Stephen King penned an ode to the remake, he snuck in a subtle dig, writing, that the remake was truly a remarkable horror picture “and not just because the 1972 original was such a crapfest.” Which… well, that’s harsh. The Last House on the Left isn’t necessarily my favorite, though I can appreciate its role as an enduring slice of exploitation cinema, even if it’s not one I’m all that keen to revisit often.
Even stranger, I think Iliadis’ remake might even be more upsetting. I bought the Arrow Video 4K release, but I haven’t even opened it yet. I agree with Stephen King that the remake is profoundly accomplished, but it’s also profoundly upsetting. I’ll admit it. I really liked Aquamarine growing up. I wasn’t ready for The Last House on the Left remake in ninth grade, okay?
Craven’s original is still a stunner. While the late director has broadly shared some regrets since its release, it remains an important piece of horror history, and not just because of what it shows. Craven always has been an artist, and even his weaker movies are indicative of a true genius at work. And The Last House on the Left isn’t even one of his weaker movies. There are dozens of exploitation movies just like it from the same time, many even more graphic, yet they don’t command the same kind of reverence Craven’s debut does. There’s a reason for that.
The shocking film is now free to stream via Tubi and Crackle.
What do you think? Do you agree with Stephen King? Is The Last House on the Left a “crapfest?” Let me know over on Twitter @Chadiscollins.
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