Now that Canyon of Terror 2 is over, it's time to play catch up. It seems only fitting that my first review following our festival would be a movie that fits the Halloween theme. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a remake of Tobe Hooper's cult classic from the 70's, and while it isn't as gripping as the original, it is better than the lackluster sequels (although I do have a fondness for part 2, even if it is stupid).

The plot is simple. A car-load of twenty somethings pick up a hitch-hiker while on a road trip in Texas. Unfortunately, the young woman has issues--issues that lead this group of friends on a one-way trip to hell. This puts them face to face with a bizarre family headed by a terrifying individual known as Leatherface, a bulky, murderous psycho who likes to skin people as a hobby.

For starters, this remake is much bloodier than the original. It also leaves some sequences out entirely (including a horrifying scene in which our heroine is the guest of honor at a freakish family dinner). Save for that, the proceedings here are pretty faithful to the ones in the original right down to narrator John Larroquette.

What really makes this new version work is it's pure horror attitude. Director Marcus Nipsel and screenwriter Scott Kosar aren't interested in winking at scary movies of the past (ala Scream). No, this movie is downright disturbing, and even though it does feature a few funny moments (most of those revolve around the charismatic R. Lee Ermey of Full Metal Jacket fame), this Texas Chainsaw Massacre is out to shake you up.

The moment two of this film's leads arrive at the home of Leatherface, Nipsel immediately sets the tone, presenting murderous danger right out of the gate. From that very second, it is completely apparent that any of these characters might die at anytime.

Like the original, this picture isn't interested in giving us background into who these crazy people are. They simply just...are. Leatherface's real appearance is never revealed. He is constantly donning someone else's skin (making for one of the movie's most terrifying scenes), and this adds to the movie's horrifying tone.

The performances are irrelevant. This movie isn't about character, it's about self preservation. Jessica Biel is the heroine who will do anything to survive. She spends most of the film screaming and running from Leatherface. I liked the lead in the original better only because of the way she was written. In that picture, the woman was completely ruined. You knew that she would never sleep again. In this version, Biel plays the role a little more fiercely. She does spend a big chunk of the movie running, but at one point, she begins to make rational decisions. I would have preferred the movie had Biel and her situation been a little more primal and chaotic.

Nipsel got his start doing music videos, and while watching this movie, it's easy to tell. Not only is it produced by ex-music video maker turned big time movie director Michael Bay, it's also cut like a music video. This isn't a stab mind you. The editing style benefits the movie, and Nipsel does have a keen eye. Quite frankly, Nipsel has fashioned a leaner more intense picture then any of Bay's last three movies.

Many have already dismissed this movie as nothing more than vile and disgusting. I agree. It is vile and disgusting, but it's supposed to be. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a horrific experience, and while I could have done without the blatant Blair Witch rip-off ending, this movie does manage to scare. It's also quite cringe inducing.

In a year of sub par horror, 28 Days Later is king, but I'd put The Texas Chainsaw Massacre at number two on the list.