Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2022

     Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2022 is written and intended to be a direct sequel to the 1974 classic The Texas ChainSaw Massacre.  Nearly five decades have passed and you will soon discover that after all this time has passed, a new Leatherface has-been-born.  I mean no disrespect to the late-great Gunnar Hansen, but I feel that Burnham's portrayal of Leatherface is, by far, the most groundbreaking performance to date.  It's as though we get to see Leatherface from a brand-new point of view that gives you the perspective of reform.  We are also quickly reminded that reform is only skin-deep.  My take-away from this movie has more to do with how our society is prone to taint an otherwise peaceful existence with impositions—even when good intentions exist.  In this case it is gentrification.

     At the end of this review, I will break down each of the following elements: the cast, the direction, the screenplay, the cinematography, the score, the editing, and even the rewatch value.  Trust me, the last one might make you roll your eyes at me. :)

     This film is the ninth installment in the franchise and the basic premise is set around a group of young "influencers" who have purchased the abandoned town of Harlow, Texas.  Their vision is to create the 'perfect place' where people can relocate and disconnect from all the troubles of modern-day society.  As it turns out, there was either an error with one of the property deeds or Dante (Jacob Latimore) lied to his friends about one of the properties not being sold, and the four find that their plans become rapidly unhinged.  Rather than temporarily stall the plans, once the property in question becomes an issue, the group proceeds to move forward with their big meetup of investors.  From there, we watch a well-intentioned vision and plan dissolve into bloodshed.

     I will be honest... I didn't expect to like this film, at all.  This is coming from someone who has managed to find a little good in all of the TCM installments prior to 2022.  Vilmer (Matthew McConnaughey) and his remote-controlled mechanical leg in The Next Generation was about the only positive I could find in that installment, yet I still managed to enjoy something about it.  But TNG's portrayal of Leatherface was absolutely atrocious.  All I can say is.... Whyyyyy!?

Vilmer (Matthew McConaughey - TCM: TNG 1995

     And Viggo Mortensen was the highlight of the third installment – entitled Leatherface.  Okay, I'm wrong, Viggo and Alfredo were both pretty entertaining characters.  Viggo was a very convincing maniac.  He was also pretty to look at.  I focused on the positives, so I was entertained with otherwise lackluster or flat-out dumb installments in the series.  I am even able to say something positive about all of them.     

     Regarding all of the previous films in the franchise, I have always gone in with some level of expectation.  This time?  I actually went into TCM 2022 with the opposite of 'expectations' and to be quite honest, I didn't even go in with zero expectations—I just went in feeling completely indifferent.  Perhaps numb is the best word to use here, because I was numb and felt nothing.  I had no sense of anticipation or excitement, nor did I have any pre-determined disdain or judgment.  I promise that's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  I guess after watching so many mediocre and rehashed installments of this franchise and other franchises, you ( I ) have the distinct feeling that most of the directors didn't "get it".  All too often these creators seem to be blind to and fail to see the already well-crafted gift they were handed.  All of the hard work has been done when it comes to an established franchise.  The subsequent creators only have have to augment what's already there.  How do they keep screwing things up—so badly!? 

     I also believe that the star of every TCM movie should be Leatherface.  Let's say praise be to The Saw, because Leatherface is the star in TCM 2022.  The fact that he is means this already transfers over to my list of positives.

Tex (Viggo Mortensen ) - Leatherface 1990

     Even with the star (Leatherface) and the original storyline in mind, it feels like so many of these directors and/or producers have been focused solely on the easy money they could make by using the name recognition.  That appears to be the cop out for some of these fan-loved franchises and they miss the mark when they don't embrace the legendary materials they have been given to work with.

     So, I have made it clear that I enjoyed multiple storylines and performances in the other installments/chapters in the TCM franchise.  I have also expressed how I have been entertained with most of the films but being entertain alone is not enough.  I have always felt something was always missing.  
 
     In or around 2005, I had the honor of meeting and hanging out with Andrew Bryniarski from the 2003 remake and the 2006 prequel.  He, too—much like Burnham, brought fans a unique portrayal of Leatherface that we previously had not seen.  It was very refreshing, as a matter of fact, and Bryniarski's Leatherface portrayal, along with R. Lee Ermey's remarkable performance were, hands down, the best part of those movies.  Andrew was a good addition to the franchise and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet him.  I even have a picture with Leatherface in full wardrobe.   

    I won't go through all of the other actors who have portrayed Leatherface, because the important thing to emphasize here is that Burnham's – TCM 2022 – portrayal finally broke a dreadful mold and iced my bloody cake.  His performance is intense, yet vulnerable. At times his body language seems primitive and almost child-like, but most of the time he is very brutal, menacing, and dark.  And boils and ghouls, Burnham is a towering with a 6' 5" frame. Impressive! The ending goes to show that Leatherface will hunt intentionally, not just at random or happenchance.  Burnham's portrayal helped make this film feel like more like a hand carved sculpture, rather  than just another coat of paint slapped on an old mold.  I sure hope that makes sense. 😊

      The film's opening score incorporates the fantastically eerie sound of a chainsaw chord being pulled.  It's chilling and ominous, but exciting at the same time.  It reminds you that THE SAW is what you came for and THE SAW is what you'll get.  I found this to be the first of many signs that many ingredients of passion would be peppered throughout this film.  I don't know if you've ever got a speck of pepper in your nose or eyes, but remember it only takes a little to cause a big reaction.  Just a reminder that it's always the little things.  A little passion here and there is a big deal.

      Legendary Pictures also begins this film with a nice gritty slice of nostalgia.  We are greeted with a familiar voice (John Larroquette) who is back to narrate our opening act.  Images of the group of slain teens from the original film and various shots of the aftermath are shown to remind you of the events that unfolded, on that fateful day.  We remember the mad and macabre nightmare that the group encountered.  The narrator emphasizes that the masked madman was never identified.  We see pictures of skulls, the old family house, news clippings, body bags, a meathook, a chainsaw, and, of course, Sally Hardesty.  Once the camera pans out, you suddenly realize you're watching footage that is playing on a television in a convenient store.  You are immediately introduced to Lila (Elsie Fisher).  She walks down the convenient store aisle, grabs a few items, including a chainsaw shaped corkscrew and lays the items on the counter.  Try to remember that little chainsaw, because you will see it again. Lila looks over and gazes at a newspaper clipping hanging on the wall beside the register.  She asks the cashier if they ever caught the killer and wanted to know what happened to the lady.  Naturally the store clerk responds in a very cockeyed manner.  Lila's sister, Melody (Sarah Yarkin), walks inside the store at the perfect time to successfully nudge Lila along.  As the two sisters begin to walk out, the cashier indicates he knows who they are and implies quite heavily that the locals don't won't them there. 

     Once outside the store, Lila and Melody head back to their car where there is a brief and not so friendly encounter with a local redneck named Ritcher (Moe Durford).  One thing is very clear from the start, this group of young people obviously have very little in common with their surroundings.  As they drive away and get a little distance from the store, Ritcher blows past them in his diesel. The four of them make comments about this guy's choice of transportation and its fuel source.  Yes, this is obviously a little social commentary, but unlike a lot of movies today—I don't feel like this one is shoving anything down your throat, and they aren't chastising you over your beliefs.  I think it was incorporated to help with a little character building.  The writer/director clearly wanted to portray a specific group that represents a very strong position on certain issues.  It was acceptable, because it was minimal, and this is coming from someone who would rather they leave all of that out of my movies and entertainment.  It's not because I am for or against any of it; it's simply because I want to watch a movie to escape my own harsh realities, not be reminded of them.  It is nice to have an hour and a half or two without having messages shoved in your face and down your beer guzzler.  That's my opinion, obviously.  If it's a movie that is specifically about one of these social or political issues, then that's an entirely different situation.  

But back to the movie, because at its core this is a slasher; not a movie about politics or social commentary...

    Once they make it to the town of Harlow, they are eager to get things under way.  The group is ready to bring their vision(s) to life.  This is when the decision to resist pushback becomes the wrong one.  An important takeaway message here is this... no matter how far we come in life, there will never be a moment when it is appropriate to impose your beliefs or your lifestyle on anyone else.  If you do it, you're inevitably setting yourself up for trouble.  It really doesn't matter what it is or where it happens, the outcome will rarely ever be favorable.  You simply cannot expect to go into someone else's life and make them conform to yours.  Why should we expect anyone to do it and why would we even want to try?  I will never understand that mentality and even though this is a horror movie, it proves it is no exception to the rule regarding this very common-sense logic.  Admittedly, my common sense kicked in and I saw one easy way to end this movie without any further issues and in under 30 minutes—get out.  

     I am trying hard to avoid spoiling anything for you, but that was the simple solution.  It most definitely would have been the right solution. But sometimes good people make bad decisions, and they do 'very bad things'.  That's exactly what happened here.  They let their own selfishness get in the way of their ability to do what is right, so karma played an instant role.  When it comes to karma, we are the ones who get hurt most.  

     Now, to the meat of the story.  Without giving too much away, I loved the fact that Leatherface was being housed with someone in a place where he was given the opportunity for reform.  Hats off to Mrs. MC (Alice Krige) for her ability to tame the monster within Leatherface.  What a woman!  BUT... I am obligated to remind you that reform is only skin-deep.  When the 'skin you're in' isn't yours, it gives this phrase a whole new meaning!  

     I love the fact that we get to see—firsthand—how we cannot change what exists inside someone. You can definitely influence and sedate certain aspects of a personality, but you cannot change the innate nature of someone.  In the next moments we briefly witness a man and woman, who are very protective of one another.  We watch as their very own Utopia is ripped away.  All of this happens because four other people have their own interests in mind.  Dante seems to believe that he knows what's best for this abandoned town.  As it turns out though, Harlow wasn't actually completely abandoned.  Like I said earlier, the consequences of the decisions of the group, quickly make for bad karma.  

Leatherface (Mark Burnham) - Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2022

     As a result of the choices made, we witness the delivery of all the elements responsible for the rebirth of Leatherface.  There is an immediate (re)transformation to the iconic serial killer's old and familiar instincts.  While a volatile and enraged response is triggered and the monster, many see him as, is revealed—we gaze up at the screen as the human side of Leatherface is exposed.  A man who is otherwise known as a monster breaks down and mentally collapses right before our eyes.  He spirals down into a deep and dark place of pain.  It's possible that subsequent scenes will spark a feeling of empathy.  I don't know what it really says about me, but that's what I experienced.  Maybe that's another reason I liked this movie so much; it unexpectedly tapped into my emotional side.  During the next few scenes, Burnham's body movements definitely show physical signs of an aging Leatherface, but make no mistake, he is still quite capable of annihilation and complete decimation.  Where the heart and mind are involved, a human is capable of the unimaginable.    

     From this point, everything falls apart and the movie progressively becomes darker.  If you like gore, you should be pleased. The scene in the transport van is pretty minor compared to later scenes, so strap your seatbelt; you're in for a fun ride.  There are some very violent deaths in this film and at least one that might even make a gore-hound cringe.  And if you didn't come for the gore, then what are you here for?  Let us remember that this a slasher about a madman wielding a chainsaw.  There. Must. Be. Gore.  Otherwise, it wouldn't be much of a slasher.  Right?

     Moving on to the bad... Sally Hardesty is one of my least favorite aspects of this movie.  The actress (Olsen Fouéré) just-does-not-work well for me.  Fouéré does not carry herself in a way that convinces me that she is the original Sally Hardesty.  Hell, I'm sure it's to no fault of her own, but her wardrobe is not even convincing to me.  Something just didn't feel right about her.  Her overall "look" and sound was off—her voice was much deeper and raspier than our dear Marilyn Burns' voice.  Basically, the problem probably lies in the fact that I knew I was watching an actress who is attempting to portray the late Marilyn Burns as Sally Hardesty, not just Sally Hardesty.  And to say it was really harsh for me to watch, is an understatement. 

     When an original cast member is not available, you run into the issue of one person trying to fill two different pairs of shoes.  It's not just the character they are representing, but they are also representing the original actor/actress and that is a tough role to fill.  No offense to Fouéré, but I wish the Hardesty character had been left out of this film all together.  It definitely did not bring anything groundbreaking to the story and this movie would have worked just fine without Hardesty in the timeline.  If anything, it was a huge disappointment to watch her exit the film almost as quickly as she entered it.  It just didn't make any sense.  When you watch it, you should question how a high-profile person had been in this county, for all of these years, working as a law enforcement officer and was not able to find the murdering maniac she was looking for -- that is... until this group of young people come to Harlow.  It's just not very convincing, if you ask me.  It's also a terrible way to resurrect her character and do so little with her.  Let's face it, that character survived a family of sadistic, masochistic cannibals in the original film!  Hardesty's decisions in TCM 2022, do not make any sense for someone who survived all of that and has remained so adamant about finding and killing the mask wearing maniac who murdered her brother and friends; and let's not forget -- he almost killed her, too.  I'll just say this... You have been warned.  ****In a separate review with spoilers -- I will discuss why I believe her character could have been introduced at the END of this movie and could have actually set up a decent follow-up (sequel).

     Now, with all that said, was Hardesty's presence enough to make me hate this movie?  Absolutely not!  It is one minor flaw that I can easily overlook, because of all the things that were done so well.  The Hardesty character was bad, but not a deal-breaker.  I believe my last paragraph adequately expresses why I feel this way, but I will admit that my awareness that she is not the original actress (Marilyn Burns), is not a fair criticism based on my own personal bias toward Marilyn Burns.  But it was still very hard to watch, and I feel that aspect is completely fair to mention.  Hardesty seemed like a kitten in a hardware store.  She was completely out of place in this plot, and it never felt necessary.  Fortunately, everything else in the movie made up for that short-coming.  Man, talk about beating a dead horse!  Well, didn't I!?!?

     Moving back to the positive things... the cinematography was so beautiful.  Oh, my goodness, this film was so well shot.  Even when I read an article stating this movie wasn't filmed in Texas, it was never an obvious or apparent issue for me.  The lighting, the angles, the colors, and all of the set-pieces/scenery were so well done.  The film was dark and grainy enough to properly use CGI.  It didn't turn into a CGI mess, thank goodness.  There is quite a bit of CGI incorporated into several scenes, but because of the low-lighting and angles used, this was never distracting.  Even in the moments where you know CGI is implemented, it is not so extreme that it's screaming in your face.  It was so satisfying to see everything unfold as it did, and how about that bus scene?  

     The acting was very well performed, and it was nice to see unfamiliar faces.  I didn't know of any of these actors, except Mrs. MC and believe it or not, that is a very big deal to me.  I don't want to know the cast and I would rather obscure or unknown actors/actresses get cast for these roles.  These actors did a pretty outstanding job of making me believe their stories.  Right down to Melody's little stutter of "Da-Da-Dante", I was convinced of the realism of these characters and each performance is fluid.  There isn't a lot of character development, though.  The creators did incorporate a little backstory for Lila that pertains to the ever-so-controversial topic of guns.  Much like the opening acts that contain content about fuel sources, nothing is shoved down your throat.  Aside from the obvious incorporation of original characters, there really wasn't any significant character development.  As a result, I never really felt attached to any of them, but that was not a problem for me.

     The sound effects and score are probably my favorite part.  I loved all of the sound effects.  There are bits incorporated so cleverly into the opening and closing of the film.  These little touches really got me jazzed up.  Everything from the squeak of the planked wood flooring, triggered by walking or movement, to the sound of dry wall crumbling down onto that same flooring, is absolutely marvelous.  A lot of heart has been put into the filming of this movie, as well as, later in the editing room.  Seriously.  And I would PLAYFULLY argue with anyone who says otherwise. ;)

     The screenplay for this film was well-done and it certainly offers a higher-than-average rewatch value.  I can say this with confidence, because I have watched this film more than two-dozen times!  I told you that you I would probably make you roll your eyes!!  

    Each time I watch this movie, I see something I didn't catch in the previous viewing.  And each time I find myself loving it more.  The director has done a fantastic job of giving us an interesting new spin on a classic icon. Horror fans have long adored Leathface and anticipate the opportunity to see him on the big screen.  Sally Hardesty really is my only hang-up.  I know I'm beating that horse again, but I think if the creators felt compelled to put her in the sequel, then the movie should have stayed on track with one storyline (hers).  If they had chosen that route, they could have completely left the group of influencers out of this.  It would have been interesting to see her hunt and track Leatherface. They could have done so in a manner that showed us the efforts she was exhausting in order to track him down.  We didn't get that though.  Enter and exit.  That's what we got.  

     Aside from that, I must say that I thoroughly ENJOY this film.  I say enjoy because I continue to watch it.  My youngest son (14) even approves and said that this was a "really good movie".  That is coming from a young man who does not like horror movies.  He didn't get that from his mom, that's for sure!!  I LOVE my horror movies!  But the fact that he willingly sat and watched this film with me, says a lot.  He agreed it had meaning and showed a reason why Leatherface makes the decisions he makes in this film.  I like that. 

    Please let me point out that I ALSO LOVE the fact that they never show straight shots of Leatherface's naked face.  When directors choose to do that, it is such a drawback for me. 

DEAR DIRECTORS -- PLEASE DON'T SHOW US THE UNMASKED VILLAINS FACES!!  STOP SHOWING US TOO MUCH!!  *ahem* *TCM 2003 *ahem*   

The only movies that this worked well for, in my opinion, is the SCREAM franchise.  Otherwise, just stop.  Please.  I live by the philosophy that these movies should leave something to our imagination.  

    I would prefer Leatherface to remain, not-so-human, even though I know he IS a human.  The fact that the directors avoided direct facial shots, contributes to why I think this installment is a prime example of the creators "getting it."  They have created a noteworthy and very enjoyable installment in a franchise that has been on its last breath and certainly given it some much needed some life support.  David Blue Garcia managed to resurrect the franchise and it's all because of his vision, passion, understanding, and TLC.  I thank David, his cast, and his crew, along with Hooper and Henkel and all of the original cast and crew for what they have given to the industry.  It is because of everyone as a whole, that this installment came to fruition. I want to thank David most of all for how this film was delivered.  This installment was the missing link, for me. I actually wish this movie would have been released in theaters rather straight to Netflix.  It is much better than most of the trash that's currently in the cinemas.  I give Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2022, two bloody and severed thumbs up! Does that make me crazy?  Probably.