A somewhat unknown cast stars in a below average remake of the 1972 movie. Yes, "The Last House On The Left" does have its share of thrills, but it doesn't quite get the job done as a solid suspense thriller. Before the suspense finally arrived, I had already lost interest in the story. The cast here is undoubtedly talented, but the script has them playing unlikeable characters. With that said, "The Last House On The Left" has its moments, but becomes forgettable as soon as the credits start rolling.
The story revolves around young, swimming champion Mari Collingwood, executed well by the talented Sara Paxton. Her and her friend, Paige, get kidnapped by a gang of 4 wrongdoers, led by a prison escapee. After murdering Paige and hurting Mari, they go, amazingly, to the so-called last house on the left, where Mari's parents obviously live. At first, they show them good hospitality, but they soon find out that they had done something to their daughter. From that point on, the film turns into a bloody affair, fighting for their damaged daughter. There is one big problem, though.
Unfortunately, I didn't care much for Mari Collingwood. I don't know who would truly care for someone that hangs out with a stupid friend and does stupid things. Going to some stranger's house who looks absolutely untrustworthy in the first place, now that's pretty darn stupid. This film is bloody, violent, and cruel. That ingredient of a horror movie is here and made well. But it just didn't have enough thrills and really wasn't terrifying at any moment. There was even a point here where the movie felt like an action thriller other than something meant to be scary. With a bad script, a lack of scares, unlikeable characters, and an unnecessary prolonged rape scene, "The Last House On The Left" is mediocre at best. If you look hard enough, there is fun to be had here, but it isn't enough to save an already forgettable movie. You can SKIP this house.
rating: 2 out of 4
