Rage, The - Carrie 2 (1999)
Starring: Emily Bergl, Jason London, Amy Irving, Mena Suvari
Director: Katt Shea
Synopsis: needless and subsequently useless sequel to a great horror classic
Reviewed by: Omar Khan

It was bad enough that Gus Van Sant attempted to remake Psycho and ended up desecrating the timeless classic. Now, the bosses at MGM - no doubt hard pushed for cash - have made another ineffectual attempt to exploit a horror classic from yesteryear in the form of The Rage - Carrie 2.

The storyline of this film is similar to that of the original, but it lacks the style that De Palma had imparted to the latter. Rachel, a loner and social outcast, has telekinetic powers just as Carrie did. Predictably enough, we learn that she shared the same father as Carrie. He seems to have infected several children with telekinesis (watch out for further sequels). She finds herself gradually being drawn out of her shell by a group of supposed friends. But, as in the case of her older sister, she is being set up for an unceremonious fall. Although it clearly lacks the tremendous gothic feel of the original and is not particularly scary, this 90's version of Carrie is just worth watching if only for curiosity value and to appreciate a truly horrid performance from the ex Mrs. Spielberg, Amy Irving. She is unbelievably awful, reprising her role of centuries ago.

The movie may not compare favourably with its predecessor from the mid 70's, yet it manages to provide an iota or two of entertainment for a boring evening or weekend afternoon. Very shallow and forgettable indeed.