PET SEMATARY (2019) spoiler-free review!

A huge surprise for me!

I am a huge fan of the original 1989 film. Now I don't think it is a flawless horror classic, but I do think it's one of the most faithful Stephen King adaptations out there. Mary Lambert did an amazing job with the budget they had. Touches like the painting, Zelda scenes, Gwynne's perfect accent, actually shooting in Maine, and getting The Ramones to write the theme song. So much good stuff! When it was first announced that a remake would be happening, I was livid. I didn't want it or think it was needed. I made it through half of the trailer before throwing my hands up in disgust. When I learned that John Lithgow would play Jud Crandell I thought, huh?!!! I love him but he isn't right for this role! When I finally sat down to watch the film, I went in with low expectations figuring I would pick out the flaws and blast it in my forthcoming review.

BOY WAS I WRONG!!!!

I want to do this review a little different: I will give my spin on it, then compare aspects with the original.

Overall, Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer pulled off a real trick with this one. Modernizing and changing key aspects of the story (which pissed a lot of folks off) and really giving us a fresh take on a classic. I won't give away the huge story change but say that I truly loved it and thought that it propelled and fit the theme very well. Keep in mind, the original film already deviated away from the book quite a bit in one aspect.

Here is my side by side comparisons:

THE CHANGE:

Original worked very well for it's time, but still deviated from the book. The new film's major change breathes life into the story and works much better for the film in modern times.

verdict: 2019

CHURCH:

While the original Church was scary for the time he has become cheesy with age. The new Church is much more realistic.

verdict: 2019

JUD:

Jud Crandell was perfectly played by Fred Gwynne and although I love John Lithgow, I didn't think he could live up to the role. He did and almost edges Gwynne out, but the original Jud wins by presence and a perfect Maine accent.

verdict: 1989

VICTOR PASCOW:

Not really a fan of either of these portrayals but the original had more of a malevolent presence than the new one.

verdict: 1989

ZELDA:

Hands down, the original Zelda was presented as a real life horror brought to supernatural proportions and may never be topped.

verdict: 1989

TONE/LOOK/FEEL:

Once again each film did well in overall look and tone for their respective eras but the new film really nails it and adds to the proceedings with some great shots of the kids in animal masks creating an almost cult-like existence regarding the mythos of the "pet sematary".

verdict: 2019

ENDING:

The ending of the original was ominous and somewhat left dangling. The new ending is cool but brought unnecessary camp and hokum to the festivities. One of the weakest parts of the remake in my opinion.

verdict: 1989

Summation:

Whether you love the book or are just a fan of the first film, there is a lot to like in the remake that should at least provide a fresh take and an entertaining viewing. I implore you to go in with an open mind, I think you will like it as I did.

1989: 3.5/5

2019" 3.5/5

88jrd