Saturday, October 21, 2023

Samhain Project 3: Pet Sematary: Bloodlines

 

I had written last week that despite not really liking Pet Sematary, I kind of enjoyed Pet Sematary Two.  It felt different, less grim, and possessed a heady dose of humor that gave it a buoyancy the original lacked. 

Last night, Frani and I viewed Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, a prequel that is really a conundrum to explain. It is a very grim film, as grim as the original, but moves with a snappy quickness crammed in its compact 92 minutes that seems to give the film a kick in the cinematic ass. 

It’s cast well, with Jackson White playing Jud Crandall, Louis Creed’s next door neighbor and confidant in the original (played there by a wizened Fred Gwynne).  It seems even in 1969. The Sematary is an issue for grief-stricken Ludlow, Maine, and a little history of why is snuck into what I said was a trim and fast paced movie.

Jud’s father will do anything to get his son out of Ludlow.  He goes to lengths most Dads won’t and his intentions are beautifully brought to clarity later in the story.  Agent Mulder, David Duchovny’s, son is “back” from Vietnam.  But with bad intentions, as it doesn’t take long to know he’s not really back in any real sense. 

The film builds suspense in a really smooth way despite its brief running time, the supporting cast is solid, especially Mike Flanagan fave Henry Thomas as Jud’s dad.  It would have been nice to see more of Mr. Duchovny as his weather-worn persona is visually and emotionally strong. 

And his undead son, Timmy?  Great casting with Jack Mulhern, he is the walking creeps. 

Highly recommended. 

And what does the master think?



No comments: