In 2010, movie studio, “Paramount Pictures” confirmed they were working on a remake of “Pet Sematary” based on the novel by Stephen King. It took seven years for the studio to find a screenwriter, producers & a director to shepherd until the remake is given an official green-lit. In 2018, Jason Clarke (Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, First Man) & John Lithgow (Shrek, Interstellar) signed on as the main leads. After a year of filming, producing & editing, the film was distributed worldwide.
I already did history surrounding the novel from review for the original 1989 film. If you’ve already seen the original or read the book, feel free to check it out.
Pet Sematary is currently out in theaters alongside “Shazam.” Both movies are currently making money at the box office. Unlike Shazam, Pet Sematary earned mixed reviews from critics.
Another Stephen King adaptation titled, “It: Chapter 2” will be out on September so don’t forget to mark your calendars folks! One more thing, “Doctor Sleep” (a sequel to The Shining) is scheduled for a November release date.
The following review does not feature any crucial SPOILERS. Unlike my review for the original movie, you are allowed to read my non-spoiler article anytime. Is Pet Sematary better than the original? Well let’s find out shall we?
Positive & Negative Aspects
Positive: Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz & John Lithgow all did a great job for their respective performances.
Unlike the original, Louis’ daughter Ellie, is less annoying. Plus, her role is bigger fleshing out her personality such as her interaction with Louis.
Scare Factor had pragmatic moments which managed to give me “The Heebie Jeebies.”
Prosthetic Makeup was applied to reflect that one person coming back in a bad way. If you know what I mean.
Practical Effects & Visual Effects were used to bring certain elements to life.
Music Score in the remake has a sinister tone. Thank goodness it didn’t retain the original’s melodramatic soundtrack from any “Lifetime” original film.
Cinematography didn’t suffer from any excessive Shaky Cam throughout.
The Context behind the titular grave fleshes out its backstory.
Pacing in the new version didn’t bore me at all. A certain scene helped me gain intel.
Rachel’s traumatic past is brought up retaining that one moment. Unlike the old school version, the paranoia is slightly increased.
The Climax in the remake is more intense than the original.
Church, the family cat is more intimidating and less goofy.
The remake is given a modern update. It doesn’t feel dated.
A famous cartoon character appears on a television set. I’ll give you a hint, he’s owned by channel owned by Paramount Pictures & he’s getting a movie coming out next year.
The Ending is drastically different from the original film and novel. From my point of view, the new version’s final scenes felt perfectly executed.
The End Credits has a cover version of The Ramones’ “Pet Sematary.” Coincidentally, another film also featured a Ramones song during the end credits. Here’s a clue, it came out the same day as Pet Sematary.
Negative: Like the original film, Louis is a complete moron who never listened to Jud’s advice about the consequences of resurrecting the dead.
Without trying to give anything away, a Plot Hole involving why Louis didn’t take care of “the trash” which resulted in a tragic event. For those who’ve read the book or saw the original film, you probably know I’m talkin’ about.
The remake never explain who or what group of kids wearing masks are involved in the titular area.
The Final Verdict B-
In my opinion, the 2019 version of Pet Sematary is better than the original. Although not as amazing as the 2017 version of “It” or as bad like “Maximum Overdrive.” I officially declare Pet Sematary 2019 is an average film. If you’re interested in seeing this film in a way to compare the differences between the 1989 version & novel, go ahead and give it a watch.
Rumor has it, that a prequel to the remake is possibly in development. Paramount stated they won’t make it unless the 2019 version makes enough revenue.
Won’t be long before It: Chapter 2 comes out in September. I’m eager to see Pennywise’s return on the silver screen.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 