'Pet Sematary' is the film adaptation of author Stephen King's 1983 novel of the same name. The screenplay was a first for King and to date one of the few films based on his works that he's been actively a part of. The film was directed by Mary Lambert, who was known for the Madonna music videos 'Material Girl' and 'Like a Virgin'. Lambert would go on to direct the sequel in 1992 and her work has been fairly steady since. This is considered to be her crowning achievement however and while the film has become a cult classic these past 30 years, one wonders if the magic is still in this film's old burial ground? Dr. Louis Creed arrives at his new home in rural Maine with his wife Rachel and two children, Ellie & Gage along with their cat Church. They are warmly greeted by their elderly neighbor Jud Crandall who shows them a mysterious landmark behind their house: the titular cemetery. One day, poor Church is killed due to the frequent highway traffic near the Creed's home and Jud reveals a dark and well kept secret. Something just behind the Pet Sematary. Something evil.
For a movie that's nearly 30 years old, 'Pet Sematary' has aged better than most especially when comparing to King's other works being adapted. The film keeps much of the novel's darker themes and retains that creepy overall feel to it through the use of simple but extremely effective sound design, cinematography, and special effects work. Just something as basic as Church's eyes having that constant glow as if he's perpetually at night just creeps you out every time and though the film doesn't care to truly show the demonic presence as the novel does, simple cracking noises and eerie blue lights convey that presence in a way that's effective for the time. Frankly, this is the one element I am happy to see being put into the upcoming remake as for a lack of a better phrase is a lot of the novel's skeleton.
Really, the film's biggest issues come from our cast of characters who range from lifeless and dull to brilliant, causing a jagged, uneven feel to it all. One of the film's biggest themes is grief but you'll be hard-pressed to find it in our lead Louis as actor Dale Midkiff sounds like he's taken a few too many xanax from his medical bag. He's stiff, monotone, and only really shows the emotional side of Louis during the third act. Denise Crosby fares no better in fact I think she's the worst of the group. Her character in the novel does complain and has fits of anger with Louis like the film, but those more tender moments between the two, the ones that showcased their love for each other is sorely missing. We just get a really boring nagging character who you feel nothing for once everything is said and done.
The two big standouts however are of course little Miko Hughes and veteran actor Fred Gwynne. Jud has become one of the most quotable movie characters of all time and it's thanks to Gwynne's dedicated performance which takes the dialogue straight from the page, thick accent and all. Miko Hughes is a natural talent even at two years old and he would go on to several more films such as 'Kindergarten Cop'. He's tragic but terrifying at the same time and your emotions go wild every time you see him, especially when you know the material ahead of time. And Zelda...damn is she scary. 'Pet Sematary' is still a good Stephen King film with a never ending feeling of unease and tension. It's a shame the acting is so weak because it really drags the film down the bog but if you were looking to take another look before this week's remake I highly recommend it.
7/10
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