As remakes go, the newly revamped version of John Carpenter's 1980 horror hit The Fog boasts some grisly deaths that gore-mongers will appreciate, and the star billing for Tom Welling is guaranteed to attract viewers who enjoy his role as the young Superman/Clark Kent on TV's Smallville. For the most part, however, this is just another unnecessary rehash—a combination of ghost story and slasher thriller—in which the residents of the seaside community of Antonio Island, Oregon, are falling prey to deadly specters that emerge from a spooky fog seeking revenge for one of the town's darkest secrets. As the body count rises, Selma Blair livens up this otherwise lukewarm effort in the role originated by Adrienne Barbeau, and genre buffs will enjoy in-jokes that refer to the first film and Carpenter's career in general (including one character named "Nick Castle," a reference to one of Carpenter's closest collaborators and fellow directors). For the most part, however, The Fog is too often lost in its own haze of narrative confusion and dull casting. Not recommended. [Note: Available in either PG-13 rated widescreen or full screen versions, or an unrated widescreen version, DVD extras include audio commentary by director Rupert Wainwright, the 15-minute “Feeling the Effects” special effects featurette, eight deleted scenes (12 min.), a 10-minute “Seeing Through The Fog” making-of featurette, “Whiteout Conditions: Remaking a Horror Classic” (9 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing remake.] (J. Shannon)
The Fog
Sony, 100 min., PG-13, DVD: $28.99, Jan. 24 Volume 21, Issue 1
The Fog
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