Fiona-17

Personally, it would have taken a lot for this remake to come close to the success of Psycho (1960). The original is such a classic that even the best work Gus van Sant could provide, wouldn't please the critics. This movie was so bad when it came to recreating the horror - this won't frighten you. The attempt to make the slashing scenes believable didn't really work. For 1998, the slashing scenes in the shower and when the detective is attacked on the stair case was pretty bad. The original Psycho is still pretty eerie with the black and white colouring. It would have been good if Gus van Sant had made this more gory (like Scream), even if it meant the UK certificate was an 18, not a 15. Plus I can't stand the actor who plays the detective - he just has this persona that he's such a comedian. He didn't fit into the serious role. However, it's not that bad on the whole. If you loved Psycho (1960), then this is watchable as it's (obviously) more modern, with the fresh actors (Vince Vaughn and Anne Heche). 5/10.

I was skeptical at first about this film as I'm not really into period dramas or fairy tales and I did wonder how Drew Barrymore would come over. However, her character is a great role model. I loved how it focused on female and male issues, but I think it's more of a chick flick. It's good to see Drew in a film out of the typical Hollywood scene and in a different era. The storyline was clever how they included quotes from the book Utopia and how Drew's character was tortured by the past and present, but remained fair in the end. Anjelica Huston played a good role as the step mother and I liked how she was funny, but calculating and had issues of her own to deal with. The step sisters were also well casted and the dizziness of the youngest sister gave it a light hearted nature.

The fact Barrymore managed to hold her own against such a respected actress (Huston) shows her talent and this film definitely changed her public image. She has remained cool and modern amongst the young, but appreciated by the adults. This film shows she has come along way from the drug and alcohol rehabilitation and her B-movie bad girl roles.

However, don't expect perfection. Barrymore sometimes slips into her American accent and that spoils some scenes, but Huston is consistent throughout. Also, for viewers who are knowledgeable in history will know that the English version of Utopia wasn't printed when this film was set. There are some other historical imperfections to name, but it doesn't spoil the charm of the film.

Not one for the guys. 9/10.

Firstly, I have to say that I am a Drew Barrymore fan and I've liked her ever since I read her autobiography describing her painful childhood. However, I also like her acting but this film is so bad. I wouldn't even give it the credit and call it a black comedy - it's nothing. The plot is ridiculous and Drew's character was annoying. Usually she gets the chance to show off how she can be charming, sweet, seductive, innocent and strong but this just wasn't the right role. Her character was undeveloped and got the worst lines. I don't understand how she even took this role. Catherine O'Hara's role wasn't that great either and neither was Luke Wilson's. They all have great talent but are better of in other films.

It's a waste of time and don't be fooled into thinking it's great just because of the all-star cast.