Cabin Fever

I usually like and/or love most of the horror films in Eli Roth's movie resume. But it's perplexing beyond belief that he, or a movie studio, wanted to remake his 2002 independent flick "Cabin Fever", a hit on the indie circuit back in the day. Its gross-out originality and throwback style to films such as "The Evil Dead" won it boatloads of fans.

The same thing, unfortunately, can't be said for "Cabin Fever 2016," virtually a shot-by-shot remake/reboot with different actors and actresses. Didn't filmmakers learn that scene-by-scenes remakes don't work and are pointless? Maybe Mr. Roth and company are unaware of the "Psycho (1998)" abomination as a failed example.

What's the same in this "Cabin Fever"? The plot: a group of teenage friends rent a cabin in the woods, only to come into contact with a flesh-eating disease. It only further spreads between the friends when the local water becomes contaminated. The same bloody moments that made the original so enjoyable are here on display also, including the infamous bathtub shaving scene.

The differences between 2002 and 2016 "Cabin Fever" appears to be a higher budget, a straight-ahead horror approach (instead of a horror/comedy blend seen in the original), and smarmier dialogue. Most of the characters are unlikable and narcissistic, making "Cabin Fever 2016" an unenjoyable viewing experience.

If anyone gives in to a purchase of the IFC Films/Scream Factory Blu-ray, you'll be treated to "The Making of Cabin Fever" and the theatrical trailer, even though it was never released to theaters.

Buy or rent "Cabin Fever 2002" instead, or if you already own that version, re-watch it and enjoy Eli Roth at his peak.

"Cabin Fever"
Blu-ray
$22.97
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