neumu [ cinematronic ]




	The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
	Marcus Nispel Jessica Biel, Jonathan Tucker, Erica Leerhsen, Mike Vogel, Eric Balfour, R. Lee Ermey, Andrew Bryniarski, John Larroquette 2003		Paucity of invention is a major reason why "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," the grandpa of psycho-slasher films, was remade. It's the mentality behind the Freddy Krueger and Jason sequels. The brands exist, they sell, and they'll continue to earn money. No need for anything novel. Simply market Leatherface — chainsaw-wielding, teen-eviscerating mutant from the influential 1974 "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" — and spawn another franchise. (Or do a weak knock-off like "Wrong Turn.") Although the remake trumpets that it was based on actual incidents, it's adapted from the first "T.C.M." script, which was loosely based on the true story of serial killer Ed Gein. The early version, shot on a shoestring by filmmaker Tobe Hooper, mixed social commentary with its visceral punch. The new take is just guts-for-guts'-sake and besmirches a few familiar faces from movies and TV. Jessica Biel ("Seventh Heaven") and Eric Balfour ("Six Feet Under") are two of the kids terrorized by Leatherface and his inbred clan in rural, remote Texas. R. Lee Ermey ("Willard") is the sinister local sheriff. Art direction and makeup have improved since the '70s, but the grisliest effects aren't gonna make this shocking 30 years after the original.