Starring Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, John Lithgow, Jete Laurence

Directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer

Paramount Home Entertainment, out now on Download & Keep; Blu-ray™ and DVD 12 August,

When his daughter’s beloved cat is killed in a road accident, doctor Louis Creed buries its corpse in the ‘sematary’ on their land, but sometimes things return from the dead, and they come back differently!

It’s been 30 years since Mary Lambert’s 1989 adaptation of Stephen King’s grim novel, with the author writing that screenplay, so it was probably about time to revisit this, one of the horror master’s darkest novels. However I’m not convinced that this 21st century version has anything new to say.

In fact, I’d go as far as to say If you’ve seen the original, then there’s no point in watching this remake from Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer (Mama 2) as it adds nothing of significance. The screenplay by Jeff Buhler (Nightflyers) makes a change to a key plot point, which I feel fairly ambivalent about because it doesn’t really add any value or correct a problem with the source material. In fact, the story runs on a little longer at the end to provide more of a definite conclusion, but I never really felt the original to be lacking.

The cast is led by Jason Clarke (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) as Creed, with ample support from Amy Seimetz (Alien Covenant) as his wife and John Lithgow as neighbour Jud. Jete Laurence is very good as daughter Ellie, and those looking out for that scene with the scalpel and ankle won’t be disappointed. There’s tension – though it’s never that intense – and a couple of good jumps, thanks mainly to Rachel’s flashbacks to her ill sister, but there’s nothing you’ll remember this movie by in the morning.

The download and Blu-ray versions have nearly an hour of behind-the-scenes material that give some decent insight into the decision-making on the film; there are various (sensibly) deleted scenes, an alternate ending and The Tale of Timmy Bateman – something that will make sense to those who know the original movie and/or King’s novel.

Verdict: Totally competent but redundant remake that doesn’t add anything to what’s already gone before. There’s nothing wrong with it but neither does it achieve anything to afford it any status. If you know the novel and/or film you just sit there waiting for the next plot point to happen, and the best time will be had by those completely unfamiliar with the material. 7/10

 

Pet Sematary is available to Download & Keep on 29 July and on Blu-ray™ and DVD 12 August, from Paramount Home Entertainment