PET SEMATARY RETROSPECTIVE

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October 3, 2023|Horror Reviews , Pet Sematary Retrospective, Supernatural and Paranormal

As horror movie enthusiast, there is nothing quite like a well-crafted franchise to keep us invested and spooked. And there are few franchises more chilling than Pet Sematary. Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, the Pet Sematary series has been haunting audiences for over 30 years.

From the serene and picturesque town of Ludlow with ancient burial grounds, to the world beyond the veil of the undead, the Pet Sematary franchise never fails to deliver its own brand of blood-curdling horror. With the release of the brand new film, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, set to hit theaters in the coming months, it's the perfect time to delve into the franchise as a whole.

The original Pet Sematary film, released in 1989, was directed by Mary Lambert and featured performances from Fred Gwynne, Denise Crosby, and Dale Midkiff. The movie tells the story of the Creed family who, after moving to the countryside, discover a pet cemetery that lies beyond an ancient burial ground with the power to bring the dead back to life.

The striking imagery of the undead with all their wounds and scars intact, combined with a haunting soundtrack, made for a truly terrifying viewing experience, especially at a young age. Pet Sematary became an instant classic and has since spawned a sequel and remake.

Pet Sematary II, released in 1992, takes place in the same town and follows the story of a teenage boy who returns to Ludlow with his mother after his father is killed in a movie-set accident. The boy befriends a local outcast and discovers that the supernatural powers of the pet cemetery are still at play, leading to more terrifying and gruesome events.

Now, we have the upcoming Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, directed by Jeff Buhler, which has its own twist on the story. The focus this time is on a previous unleashing of an even greater horror after discovering the legendary burial grounds in the woods.

In this series, we will take a deep dive into each film in the franchise, examining what makes them so special and why they continue to scare audiences years after their initial release. From the performances to the striking visuals and haunting music, we'll explore what sets each film apart while still recognizing how they all fit together to create a truly horrifying cinematic world.

We will also examine how the Pet Sematary franchise has grown and evolved over the years, while trying to remain true to the source material and deliver on the promised scares. We'll discuss the themes of grief, loss, and the fear of the unknown that are at the heart of the franchise and how these elements have kept audiences coming back for more.

And of course, we'll take a look at the upcoming Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, which promises to deliver another round of heart-stopping scares for fans of the franchise. With fresh faces, new twists to the story, and even more horror than before, we can't wait to see what terrifying secrets lie beyond the pet cemetery gates.

So join us as we revisit the land of the dead, explore the power of grief and loss, and get ready for a spooky good time with our Pet Sematary franchise review series. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, we guarantee you'll have a terrifyingly good time.

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October 5, 2023|Horror Reviews , Pet Sematary Retrospective, Supernatural and Paranormal

As the ancient burial ground known as Pet Sematary looms ominously nearby, the Creed family moves into their new home, awakening the restless spirits lurking in the shadows. But their desire to evade death's embrace is a potent force that now rises from the grave, hungry for a second chance. Brace yourself for a bone-chilling exploration of grief, loss, and the dark obsession that might ultimately lead to one's undoing. This is Pet Sematary (1989), the horror classic that will leave you wondering if sometimes, death is better.

Pet Sematary (1989) has become a classic horror movie, and for good reason. Based on Stephen King's novel, the story explores themes of grief, loss, and the lengths a person will go to bring their loved ones back from death and the unquenchable desire to cheat death. Despite its reputation in the horror genre, the film has both strengths and weaknesses, making it not only iconic but also polarizing to a degree among moviegoers.

The plot of the film is intriguing as it follows the Creed family, who move from Chicago to the small town of Ludlow, Maine. The family comprises Louis (Dale Midkiff) and Rachel (Denise Crosby) Creed and their two children, Ellie (Blaze Berdahl) and Gage (Miko Hughes). From the start, it is evident that all is not right with the property, which lies next to a busy highway and is adjacent to the sinister wilderness that contains the ancient burial ground known as Pet Sematary.

The early pacing of the movie is a disadvantage that turns off some viewers. The first two-thirds of the story are slow and prolonged, failing to engage and enthrall with the script's subtleties and nuances. However, the story picks up momentum, and the tension ramps up significantly in the final act.

The acting in the film is uneven. Dale Midkiff struggles to convey his character's inner turmoil and agony adequately, while Fred Gwynne, who plays Jud, the Creed's neighbor, embodies his character with depth and conviction. In contrast, Denise Crosby does a fair job of portraying Rachel Creed but, like Midkiff, struggles to bring out the emotions precisely as intended by the script.

The film's direction by Mary Lambert isn't great, but the cinematography does captures the moody aesthetics of King's book. However, some questionable choices, such as the attempts at making the film brighter and more colorful during the early scenes, stand out as mistakes when set next to the more subdued color grading used later in the movie.

Pet Sematary's strongest point may be its exploration of the complicated and often messy emotions that come with grief and the mortal fear of death. The script offers a poignant meditation on the choices we make when we lose someone we care about. However, it's not always easy to identify with Louis Creed's obsession with the burying ground, making it more difficult to positively engage with his decisions.

The horror elements of the film are mostly effective. Although the film's effects may not stand up to the test of time, it's still unsettling and disturbing enough even for modern audiences. The film's iconic shots, such as the case of the recently deceased's Achilles heel being slashed, will stick with viewers long after the credits have rolled.

Overall, Pet Sematary (1989) is far from a perfect horror movie. It's slow to get going, has uneven acting performances, and some flaws in direction that can detract from the overall effect. However, the film offers a unique exploration of the themes surrounding human mortality that shouldn't be missed, and its beautiful visuals, particularly in the final act, and genuinely chilling horror moments should earn the respect of horror aficionados, evenbif not the casual horror fan.

We hope you enjoyed our review of Pet Sematary (1989). While it might not be without flaws, the movie's poignant themes and impactful horror elements give it a thrilling ending, nonetheless. So, will you dare to walk down the path of the undead and confront the chilling consequences of defying death? The choice is yours. Until next time, stay spooky!

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2 out of 5 stabs 🔪🔪
FINAL THOUGHTS: Pet Sematary (1989) might be considered a classic horror movie, but its slow pacing, inconsistent acting, and mediocre direction fail to elevate it beyond a run-of-the-mill horror flick with some iconic moments that appeal only to die-hard fans of the genre. Is it enough to earn a recommendation? Unfortunately, it is not.

October 8, 2023|Horror Reviews , Pet Sematary Retrospective, Supernatural and Paranormal

Beneath the dim light of a flickering candle, I sit alone in my chamber with one goal - to explore the darkest corners of horror cinema. And what better film to delve into on this chilly night than Pet Sematary II? As I press play on my ancient VHS tape, I can feel chills crawling up my spine, and as soon as Clancy Brown's wicked smile appears on-screen, goosebumps cover my skin. It's not often that horror movies are lauded for their daring approach to storytelling, but Pet Sematary II bucks that trend in blood-curdling fashion. Despite being released over three decades ago, the movie's macabre blend of horror, surrealism, and dark humor gives it a timeless quality that is as bone-chilling today as it was in 1992. So, are you brave enough to walk with me down the dark path of Pet Sematary II? Let's find out.

In 1992, Pet Sematary II was released as the sequel to Stephen King's classic horror novel adaptation. Like the upcoming prequel to Pet Sematary, the film was not based on any previous King novel and received negative reviews upon its release. Critics often cited the film's darker tone as well as its meaner and more extreme characters as reasons for their negative reviews. Additionally, some audiences also panned the film for its lack of adherence to King's original story. However, over time, the film has gained recognition as the scariest and most daring film in the Pet Sematary franchise.

Pet Sematary II is a horror film at its core and, like most horror movies, it features characters that the audiences can root for as well as those they can't. One of the ways that Pet Sematary II took a bold approach was by giving audiences a lead character who becomes an outright villain over the course of the film. Edward Furlong, known for his role in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, plays Jeff Matthews, a young teen who watches his movie star mother, Renee, die in an accident. After moving to his mother's hometown of Ludlow, Maine, Jeff befriends Drew, a troubled young boy whose stepfather, Gus, is the town sheriff.

The two boys take Drew's dog Zowie to the burial grounds, which brings it back to life and plants the seed in Jeff's mind to take his mother there. As the film progresses, Jeff's morals and innocence become more eroded, and he becomes dangerously obsessed with bringing his mother back to life. Even when his undead mother kills a woman who has an eye for his father, Jeff seems pleased, and by the end of the film, he is far from a hero. The film's director Mary Lambert spoke about the bold approach to Jeff's character, saying, "I wanted to explore the darker side of a grieving teenager...what lengths he would go to in order to bring his mother back."

In addition to its bold approach to character development, Pet Sematary II also upped the ante over the other two films with meaner and more vicious villains who were bad people when alive and worse when resurrected. Clancy Brown, known for his role in the TV show Dexter, plays Gus, a character who taunted Jeff's father about how he once dated his late wife, was mean to his stepson, and even shot Zowie. After Gus is brought back to life, he initially gives the appearance that he might have changed for the better, but he quickly reveals his true nature. Gus assaults Drew's mother and later murders his stepson and wife in a car crash. He also kills and resurrects Clint, a teenage bully who tormented Jeff, stole his pet kitten, staged a prank that mocked his mother's death, and even tried to disfigure the boy. When Clint comes back to life, he attacks Jeff with the intention of killing him.

In addition to its darker characters, Pet Sematary II also incorporated more surrealism into its mix, with wild dream sequences and undead villains, particularly Gus, who had many scenes filled with an equal balance of menace and dark humor. On top of that, the film's director Mary Lambert also played with the idea of subverting audience expectations by switching things up and taking chances.

Thirty years after its release, Pet Sematary II is gaining recognition as a more daring film than the others in its franchise. Its willingness to switch things up and take chances makes it stand out, and hopefully, the upcoming prequel will be similarly adventurous while also honoring King. While the movie may have been poorly received upon its release, it has since become a cult classic and a horror gem worth revisiting. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film's creepy atmosphere, its daring approach to character development, its over-the-top violence, and its surrealism. Pet Sematary II is a testament to the fact that sometimes taking risks in storytelling can result in something unexpected and memorable.

As the end credits of Pet Sematary II begin to roll, I sit here, haunted and exhilarated. This film may have been panned by critics upon its release, but over time, it has become a cult classic for good reason. It's a horror flick that dared to be different, a movie that waded fearlessly into the murky waters of grief, resurrection, and human depravity. And while its bold approach may have alienated some viewers, for those with a taste for the macabre, it is a must-see. Pet Sematary II is a horror film that revels in the darkness, offering a twisted but entertaining journey that will leave you reeling in equal parts delight and terror. So grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and lose yourself in the twisted world of Pet Sematary II. You won't be disappointed.

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3 out of 5 stars 🔪🔪🔪
FINAL THOUGHTS: Pet Sematary II is a horror film that takes risks, dares to be different, and stands out as a more daring entry in the franchise. Its bold approach to character development, use of surrealism, and over-the-top violence have earned it a cult following among horror fans. Despite its initial negative reception, Pet Sematary II is a must-see for those with a taste for the macabre.

October 9, 2023|Horror Reviews , Pet Sematary Retrospective, Supernatural and Paranormal

Beware, dear reader, for Pet Sematary is not a film for the faint of heart. Its bone-chilling horror and heartbreaking tragedy will leave you gasping for breath and grasping for something to hold onto. So, if you dare to enter the world of the supernatural, be prepared to be shaken to your core by this terrifying tale of love, loss, and the horrifying consequences of trying to bring the dead back to life.

As a dedicated fan of horror movies, I have been eagerly anticipating my first viewing of the 2019 remake of the classic Stephen King adaptation, Pet Sematary. Despite the 1989 original being widely regarded as one of the best films in the genre, I strongly believe that the latest version far surpassed it in several ways.

One of the biggest advantages of the recent adaptation was the better acting. The entire cast delivered a pretty good performance, with Jason Clarke's portrayal of Louis Creed being particularly improved from the original. He managed to convey the genuine emotional turmoil of a grieving father with a level of authenticity that far surpassed the wooden and distant interpretation of the character in the original film, played by Dale Midkiff. Clarke's performance effortlessly immersed the audience into the character's pain and suffering.

Conversely, the 1989 version suffered from notoriously lackluster and uneven acting, with only Fred Gwynne's portrayal of Jud standing out as somewhat impressive. Midkiff, in particular, was criticized for his flat and monotone delivery, which severely diminished the emotional impact of the story and made it harder for audiences to empathize with the character's plight.

The 2019 version of Pet Sematary also excelled in the way that it balanced its horror elements, weaving together suspenseful chills with devastating emotional drama seamlessly. The original, on the other hand, placed more emphasis on the supernatural slasher element of the final act, sacrificing the emotional nuances and weight that the story carries.

One of the most impactful and chilling scenes in the 2019 remake was the moment when Louis's resurrected daughter, Ellie, was shown sitting in a bathtub as her father brushed her hair. The atmosphere was haunting, and the contrast between the disturbing situation and the desperate attempt to maintain some sense of normalcy was deeply unsettling.

While it can be argued that the 1989 Pet Sematary had a special quality that came from its portrayal of the bond between Jud and the Creed family, the 2019 release compensated for this with its improved acting and its focus on the story's emotional core. It proved to be a powerful and unforgettable experience, encapsulating the devastating ache of losing someone you love and the horrors that can come with trying to reverse that loss. Ultimately, the 2019 Pet Sematary is a film about the universal themes of love, death, and grief, and it managed to evoke these complex emotions in a way that was both haunting and beautiful.

In conclusion, the 2019 remake of Pet Sematary is a horror movie that exceeds expectations and revamps a classic story in a way that feels fresh and thrilling. With its improved acting, masterful balance of terror and emotion, and its ability to tap into the universal human experiences of love and loss, this remake stands out as a true gem of the genre. So, if you're a fan of horror movies, or just looking for a heart-pumping and emotionally resonant film, Pet Sematary is one that you simply can't miss. Just be prepared to keep the lights on at night, and remember: sometimes, dead is better.

Prepare yourselves for a spine-tingling experience with exclusive horror reviews and news from GhostfaceHorror.com. Join our inner circle to avoid being left in the shadows and gain access to bone-chilling content that will leave you trembling with fear. Whether you're a devout horror fan or a casual thrill-seeker, our insights will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't keep this terror to yourself- share our articles with your fellow horror fiends to unite under the darkness and become a part of our twisted community. Subscribe now, if you dare...

3 out of 5 stabs 🔪🔪🔪
FINAL THOUGHTS: In summary, Pet Sematary (2019) offers a fresh take on the classic tale of love, death, and grief. While some elements may fall short in comparison to the original, the film shines with its improved acting and ability to evoke haunting emotions. Horror fans will not want to miss this bone-chilling and emotionally resonant flick. And for the latest in horror news and reviews, be sure to turn to GhostfaceHorror.com.

October 10, 2023|Horror Reviews , Pet Sematary Retrospective, Supernatural and Paranormal

Beware, dear readers, as we delve into the chilling prequel to Stephen King's Pet Sematary. Pet Sematary: Bloodlines uncovers the story of Timmy Baterman, a boy who was resurrected from the dead by an ancient burial ground with terrifying consequences. The prequel takes us on a haunting journey through the Vietnam era, where our protagonist Jud Crandall encounters the walking dead. But don't be fooled by the lack of buildup, as the movie offers plenty of suspenseful moments and creepy scenes with the reanimated corpses. Director Lindsey Anderson Beer and co-writer Jeff Buhler made some odd storytelling choices, making this film a true nightmare to behold. So proceed with caution, as Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is not for the faint of heart.

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is a prequel to 2019's adaptation of Stephen King's Pet Sematary. The movie explores the story of Timmy Baterman, a local boy who died in World War II and was buried in an ancient burial ground, which was discovered to have a mysterious ability to resurrect the dead, but with disastrous consequences.

The prequel takes artistic liberties with the original story, the most significant being that it shifts the setting from World War II to the Vietnam era, where Jud Crandall (played by Jackson White) has his first encounter with the walking dead. The year is 1969, and a young Jud intends to leave town with his girlfriend, Norma (Natalie Alyn Lind), to join the Peace Corps. However, their plans are put on hold when Norma is attacked by a dog that belongs to Timmy, Jud's childhood friend which has recently returned to town after serving in Vietnam.

One of the most striking things about Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is the absence of any mysterious build-up. In the very first scene, Timmy's father, Bill (David Duchovny), is seen burying his son in the ancient Miꞌkmaq Tribe burial ground. As the story unfolds, viewers are aware that Timmy and his dog, who attacked Norma, are reanimated corpses. While some viewers might already know the original story, the movie does not have to be so obvious about it.

The prequel has some significant disconnects from other entries in the franchise, with Pet Sematary (1989) and its sequel featuring a much older Jud Crandall, with the original film explaining his past experience with the burial ground. The 2019 adaptation features a separate companion short film called The Tale of Timmy Baterman, which tells the story that the prequel expands upon.

Director Lindsey Anderson Beer and co-writer Jeff Buhler made some odd storytelling choices in the prequel. For example, during a hospital scene following Norma's attack, flashbacks of the assault are shown while Jud sits beside her bed. These choices feel unnecessary and disrupt the storytelling.

Despite the artistic liberties taken, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines does offer some standout performances. Jackson White's portrayal of a young Jud is convincing and compelling. His supporting cast includes Natalie Alyn Lind as Norma, David Duchovny as Timmy's father, and Jack Mulhern as Timmy Baterman. Forest Goodluck, who plays Manny, Jud's childhood friend, offers a particularly strong and likable performance. The movie offers a glimpse into something that happened in the 1600s, an unexpected prequel during the prequel.

There are some genuinely suspenseful moments in the movie, and the scenes with the resurrected dead are creepy. However, some of the scenes verge on standard zombie fare, including characters suggesting that the only way to kill these creatures is to aim for their eyes. Also, the picture's darkness during the night scenes sometimes makes it difficult to see the action on the screen.

Overall, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is a serviceable horror movie on its own, but it doesn't effectively fit into the big picture. It adds little new information for fans of the original story or cinematic adaptations. While it can add some living dead creepiness into October Halloween movie marathons, it's unlikely to stick with viewers for a long time afterward.

As we conclude our review of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, we must acknowledge the standout performances by Jackson White, Natalie Alyn Lind, David Duchovny, Jack Mulhern, and Forest Goodluck. Although the prequel takes some artistic licenses with the original storyline, it offers some genuinely suspenseful moments alongside creepy zombies. However, it fails to add much to the existing franchise's narrative and lacks the mystery and intrigue that made the original Pet Sematary so terrifying. While certainly worth a watch as a Halloween horror movie, it may not linger in the viewers' minds for long. So, if you're a fan of the genre and not afraid of the dead rising from their graves, you might want to give Pet Sematary: Bloodlines a chance.

Prepare to experience spine-chilling horror reviews and news by subscribing to GhostfaceHorror.com. Gain exclusive access to bone-curdling content delivered straight to your inbox and become an integral part of our community to avoid being left in the shadows. As a horror enthusiast, you wouldn't want to overlook our in-depth reviews and unparalleled insights. Remember to share our articles with other horror aficionados to join our ever-growing family.

3 out of 5 stabs 🔪🔪🔪
FINAL THOUGHTS: Pet Sematary: Bloodlines offers a chilling exploration of the consequences of bringing the dead back to life but falls short in building upon the original story's narrative. Although it features some standout performances and creepy scenes, it lacks the mystery and suspense that made the original Pet Sematary so terrifying. Overall, it's worth a watch for horror fans but may not leave a lasting impact.