2005’s Terrible Remake of The Fog is a Streaming Horror Hit on Tubi

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As a seasoned film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the dark and twisted world of horror movies, I must say that the 2005 remake of “The Fog” is a prime example of why one should never mess with a classic. Having watched both versions side by side, it’s like comparing a masterpiece to a child’s drawing – they share the same title but little else.

2005’s reboot of the film has been met with widespread criticism since its release on streaming platform. Despite being available for free, many viewers find it arduous to finish. As is often the case with horror movies, a refresh every 20-30 years is not uncommon – even some top-tier ’80s films were remakes of older works. However, attempting to replicate the haunting ambiance of John Carpenter’s original 1980 movie proved to be an overreach, resulting in one of the most poorly received remakes on record.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve found myself pleasantly surprised by the revival of long-forgotten gems on streaming platforms such as Tubi, Freevee, and Pluto TV. Whether these movies were overshadowed in the past or simply fell through the cracks, they’re now making a big comeback. One such example is the reworked version of “The Fog,” which, despite its share of flaws, has managed to become one of the most-watched films on Tubi this week. Whether these shortcomings were justified in the original film or not remains debatable, but the resurgence of “The Fog” serves as a reminder that even films with imperfect pasts can still captivate audiences today.

The first “The Fog,” where director John Carpenter worked again with Jamie Lee Curtis from “Halloween,” was adapted from the horror novel of the same name by British author James Herbert. This movie tells the chilling tale of a seaside town enveloped in an eerie fog and haunted by spectral figures. Remarkably, Carpenter’s skill at creating suspense rather than gore resulted in a robust 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes. In contrast, the 2005 remake featuring Tom Welling, Maggie Grace, and Selma Blair managed to secure just a 4% approval rating.

Why the Remake of The Fog Failed

In my opinion, the revamped version of “The Fog” fell short for the same reason numerous remakes do – it lacked originality, and what little novelty it offered was heavily reliant on CGI frights, thus stripping away any authenticity or edge that could have been present. The nerve-wracking suspense that was central to Carpenter’s original masterpiece seemed conspicuously absent, a sentiment echoed in numerous reviews that criticized the final product as “empty” and “uninspiring,” concluding that this remake was unnecessary at best.

At the ticket counter, “The Fog” held its ground fairly well, though it barely escaped being a full financial flop thanks to its budget of $18 million – a figure that was less costly than the $1.1 million Carpenter utilized to remarkable effect in 1980, generating a return twenty times greater at the box office. In contrast, the two movies differed notably as Carpenter’s original maintained popularity on home video, gradually amassing a dedicated fanbase and cementing its status as a beloved horror classic. Conversely, the 2005 adaptation virtually vanished from sight.

Absolutely, and this is following its latest appearance on Tubi. Despite the fact that audience ratings for the film (currently at 19%) haven’t improved because more people are watching, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of drawing in more unaware viewers over the next few weeks. Granted, it’s unlikely that this 2005 movie will ever rival its original, but being available on Tubi could certainly offer it a temporary reprieve and a fresh burst of popularity for some time.

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2024-11-11 02:03