66 years after the original murders – the Phantom has returned to Texarkana.
I’ll be honest. I consider myself a well seasoned veteran of the horror game. Yet I never saw the original Town That Dreaded Sundown until about two years ago. It’s not uncommon to watch an older film for the first time and understand why it was shocking for its time, but that wasn’t the case for me. That movie was insanely violent and brutal. Even by today’s standards. If you haven’t seen it – get on that. For now, lets talk about the reboot.
Sundown 2014 takes place in a self aware world. One that remembers the tragedy that inspired the 1976 film. In fact, the youth of Texarkana get together once a year for an annual screening. The town doesn’t seem to have evolved much over the last 38 years. The kids are still driving around in automobiles from the mid 70’s and every home we enter seems to have been untouched by the modern civilization. It was strange at first, but it helped keep a retro sort of vibe to a film that is very much 2014.
Our main character is kept alive purposely by our returning Phantom to act as a messenger. He wants her to make the town remember the murders. “Make them remember” he says. Interestingly enough, no one really seems to have forgotten. You know, annual screenings and everything. I suppose we can explain this request due to the fact that the town youth seems to be making light of the original events. Our Phantom wants them to remember fear.
The story works quite well – all things considered. The characters are somewhat ample. Some suspiciously unnecessary. There were also some strange decisions made in casting these roles. Anthony Anderson and Gary Cole are both law enforcement. Men that are usually cast in comedic roles. This could have worked out well – since law enforcement was often comedic in the original, but none of that here. These guys are all business. They do well enough … just strange to see.
When it comes to the Phantom he is as brutal as ever. He is one of the most aggressive horror icons in history. Also one of the few that can straight up shoot a motherfucker with a gun and not get docked points for creativity. After all, his favorite musical instrument does make an appearance. The scares are often “jump” induced – so make sure you are watching this one with the surround sound cranked up. They’ll get ya. After the jump scare though, some good old fashion violence usually ensues. Sundown 2014 pulls few punches here, but certainly keeps it tasteful… if thats a thing in our industry.
I say you put The Town That Dreaded Sundown on your watch list ASAP. Hell, make it a night and watch both of them. I feel confident that you will come away satisfied with each.
The Town That Dreaded Sundown [Review]
Very Good
The Town That Dreaded Sundown is a reboot that gives a new audience a look at one of the greatest horror icons there is. Its well shot, well acted, and uses the original film in an unusual, but neat way. Turn off the lights and crank up the sound. This is a fun one.
October 19, 2014
I am really digging this site! I saw your post on Dreadit and quickly checked the site out.
I was happy to see a review of the new “The Town That Dreaded Sundown” right off the bat, and was even happier to see a really great review that answered some of the questions I had about the movie.
Definitely bookmarking the site and making it a part of my daily viewing.
(And if I get lucky enough to win, I’d love a copy of “The Sacrament”). Thanks!
October 19, 2014
Also saw your post on Dreadit, and I must say, your site is very high quality. Greta review of The Town that Dreaded Sundown, I’m really looking forward to seeing it.
If I am lucky enough to win, I’d love a copy of The Sacrement!
October 19, 2014
Nice site I will be using this a lot. Anyone else watch the original of this? Kinda boring dunno why they remade it but, hey it sounds decent. If I won the contest I’d like The Sacrament.
October 21, 2014
I noticed recently that the original was on Netflix, however I’ve been putting off watching it for some reason…I will definitely check both of these films out now.
I have a quick question about your ratings scales, how exactly do you give so specific ratings such as a 7.3 for acting on this one? I always have huge internal conflicts when rating movies in my film journal and have messed around with a number of different rating systems over the years…Basically what goes through your head when you are deciding, is this a 7.4 or 7.3? Or could you do a little section in the sidebar with a short description of what each number means, like good for 6, very good for 7, etc.
October 21, 2014
Oh, and I forgot to mention this in my original comment, but if I win the giveaway I’d very much like Eden Lake. Thanks!
October 22, 2014
Very good question, and I’ll admit that I felt a bit goofy when choosing a 7.3.
Simplest answer is that i felt it was above a 7 and below a 7.5. I can’t award quarter points (nor would I if I could) so I decided to split the difference and round up. Not very scientific, but we go off of feeling here at Modern Horrors 😉
A legend of sorts is being considered for the numbered reviews as you recommend. Its not something we are ready to do just yet for a variety of reasons though. Thanks for the feedback, and good luck on the contest tomorrow!
Eden Lake is bruuutal.