Being a stepparent cant be easy, least of all because the title packs some unsavoury connotations. It wouldnt be right to tarnish every second spouse with the same brush, but a long tradition of wicked stepmothers and the like in literature has no doubt soiled reputations. However, these unsavoury associations arent all thanks to the world of fiction. In fact, run a quick search on the term Cinderella Effect and youll soon be privy to some alarming reading. The Stepfather follows on this long tradition and packages it in a contemporary, suburban setting.
When Michael Harding (Padgley) returns home from military school, he finds his recently divorced mother (Ward) shacked up with new fiancé David (Walsh). The newcomer seems like the perfect addition to the Harding household; hes an instant hit with friends and relatives, is adored by Michaels younger siblings and even comes with a glowing recommendation from Michaels stunning girlfriend Kelly (Heard).
But the stepson-to-be isnt sold. The details of Davids tragic past are blurry at best, his accolades unfounded and once Michael and others begin to press further; Davids dangerous side slowly begins to emerge.
This remake of the 1987 cult classic of the same name makes a pretty decent stab at things. Nip/Tucks Dylan Walsh doesnt quite measure up in titular role made famous by Terry OQuinn, but he proves to be a smart choice. He wears the charming exterior of the stepfather to be with ease, but equally manages to alarm and unsettle once his murderous tendencies begin to seep out. Likewise, Penn Badgley puts in a solid performance as audience anchor, Michael. While the original movie followed a female protagonist, the switch of gender for this remake works out well; allowing for a far more confrontational relationship between would-be stepfather and stepson.
The rest of the cast are also solid, with Sela Ward turning in a sound performance as Michaels oblivious, head over heels in love mother. Amber Heard also turns in an entertaining performance as Kelly, Michaels easy going girlfriend who balances out his suspicious streak throughout much of the movie and spends most of the film in nothing but a bathing suit.
On the surface, The Stepfather mightnt look too different from any number of popcorn selling horror remakes, but actually proves to be a sharp effort that relies more on tension and atmosphere than guts and bloodshed. Some of the more unsettling moments arent fully realized, but the film rightly hovers closer to understatement than sensationalism.
The low key, suburban setting looks at home on DVD and a nice batch of special features rounds off a very decent release.
Overall Verdict: It mightnt match up to the original, but this solid reimagining is still a slick, sharp and entirely satisfying endeavour that sits above the usual slew of subpar horror remakes.
Special Features:
Commentary
Open House: Making the Film
Visualizing the Stunts
Gag Reel
Reviewer: David Steele