Welcome to Remake Radar, where we take on Hollywood’s penchant for remaking films for better or worse (which is most of the time). This month’s movie:
“The Stepfather” (1987)
Stars Terry O’Quinn, Jill Schoelen, and Shelley Hack.
Director: Joseph Ruben
Story: Loosely based on the “John List” story, a guy goes around looking for divorcees and widows with families in order to secure the “perfect family.” When the family comes up short on expectations, he kills them and moves on. He next sets himself up as a real estate agent. When the teenage daughter begins to suspect that her mom’s new interest may be a wanted killer, this “perfect family” comes under threat.
What do we know now? Substitute a boy coming home from military school (Penn Badgley) for the teenage girl, Sela Ward as the mom, and Dylan Walsh taking Terry O’Quinn’s spot, and ya got yourself a remake. The director is Nelson McCormick, the same guy who directed the “Prom Night” remake.
I’ve never watched the original, so I’m not gonna call this one.
Watch the trailers, compare the two, whatnot. Enjoy.
Original trailer:
Remake trailer:
Chas Andrews' Movie Blog 