Terror Toys is an exciting feature bringing you the latest in horror action figures and collectibles. I’m very excited to have the services of Aaron Hauser of Turmoil in the Toybox fame, as one of our leading experts for this page. Aaron is also a skilled broadcaster/videographer with the Air Force, totaling over 11 years of experience working in news and TV production, along with producing various pieces for 99 Air Base Wing Public Affairs. His youtube series chronicles some of the best reviews on the net for movie collectibles, props and toys, so having him as a part of this feature is an honor.
This month Aaron brings us a review on the recent arrival of Neca’s series 1 Carrie remake figures for the upcoming film. The two figures in the package include: the prom version of Carrie and the bloody version, so listen closely and watch Aaron give a very informative review of these exciting new figures.
Carrie is one of cinema’s most thrilling films. The movie was first brought to the silver screen in 1976 by director Brian De Palma, adapted from Stephen King’s landmark novel. The film stars Sissy Spacek as the abused and timid Carrie and Piper Laurie as her demented mother in gripping roles that will forever be cemented in cinema lore. Arguably an improvement over the source material, De Palma laced the film with crass humor and dirty jokes, but used imaginative cinematography and a fabulous production design to really bring this story to life. The climactic moment of a vengeful Carrie drenched in blood as she unleashes her psychic powers will never be forgotten, making this truly one of the finest moments in American cinema.
Then in 2002 Carrie White made a comeback as a TV movie from director David Carson and TV veteran writer Bryan Fuller. Actress Angela Bettis was cast in the role of Carrie and Patricia Clarkson was given the coveted role of Carrie’s mentally deranged mother. The movie is somewhat bland and the writers totally ignored the lewd sexual overtones that was a part of Margaret White’s character. The ending is also a curiosity, as Carrie seemingly survives and is seen leaving town. The assumption here is that the ending was meant to lead into a weekly series, which quite frankly would have been a bad idea.
Now eleven years later Carrie is being remade yet again, only this time under the direction of Kimberly Pierce (Boys Don’t Cry). What’s interesting about this particular new take on the concept is that it will be directed by a woman. Perhaps a more feminine perspective might give credence to the sad plight of Carrie’s abused childhood and subsequent teenage alienation. The role of Carrie this time around goes to Chloe Grace Moretz and the esteemed Julianne Moore gets to sink her teeth into the role of Margaret White. This new version is actually being considered a re-imagining instead of being called an outright remake, so we will see how this one fares now that it's in theatres.
Kenneth Gallant, Editor HMS