Sequel Done With Care

by Jason R. Hewlett

It's not often that we get a sequel to a film twenty odd years after the first one came out. Sequels usually follow pretty close in hand, particularly when it's in the horror genre. Most of them are quickly made to cash in on the success of the original. In the case of "The Rage" we've got a film that seems to have been made for the explicit purpose of cashing in on the new teen horror trend in films. All the producers did was rehash a well renowned horror movie from the 70s and remarket it for a new audience....or so I thought.

In reality "The Rage" is a well made horror film that continues on the original premise of a girl gifted with telekinetic powers who, after much tormenting from her peers, turns her powers on her enemies with horrific results. In this case the girl is rachael, well played by Emily Bergl, and she is the daughter of the same man who fathered Carrie in the original film. In both films we never get to meet the father, which brings up the question of whether the girls are just gifted or the spawn of the devil. This adds a dark twist to the films which works for them.

Part of what makes the movie work for me is that Rachael turns out to be a nice enough person. We like her and feel for her in her plight. Rafael Moreu's script captures the hell of what high school can be if you're not one of the "In" crowd and much of the emotions and situations ring true. The script wisely saves all the gore and special effects for the final act when they explode on screen with lots of impact. If you've ever wanted to see a bully get what's coming to him then you'll love the ending. I did! There is a drowning death that actually makes the viewer feel that they are drowning as well. It's a very unsettling scene but it packs an impact rarely found in films of this sort.

The only returning cast member from the original film is Amy Irving, who plays her character now all grown up as a high school councilor trying to come to terms with what happened in the original film. When she sees what is happening again she tries to stop it. Her presence adds a touch of class.

I'm glad, admist such teen orientated crap like "Cruel Intentions" and "Wing Commander" that we can get a quality film for this age group. I doubt "The Rage" will do overly well because not many teens are familiar with the original but I believe that it is worth a look. It's easily one of the better horror films of the last few years.

6.5 out of 10!