Stepfather (2009) – Blu-ray Review

The Film:

Who am I here?

While The Stepfather says that after getting confused on which family he just invaded, it could describe the film, this remake from the semi-little classic from 1987. I’m a firm believer in if you’re going to retell something, there should be a reason. Whether it’s subtext, themes, even cosmetic (at times), at least try to give it new blood, for better or for worse. We could argue the point of remakes all day long, and that’s not my issue here. My issue is the failed chance at trying to inject something into this film, because it’s a stale attempt.

Now, there was hope. The Stepfather might be more timely now than it was in 1987, as divorce rates have sky rocketed, leaving single parents and split families the norm now days. Taking this angle and really exploring the possibilities was a gigantic misstep. Instead, we get nothing that hasn’t been seen before, as the movie is a slick, generic piece of Hollywood fodder. It might seem serviceable to the aimed demographic of teens, because we get numerous “soundtrack moments” with the two main teens in the film, filled with rock songs and ample shots of kissing. It’s not to shame the actors here, because most are good, especially for what they are giving. Nip/Tuck’s other star, Dylan Walsh, is really good, almost too good given the material. This is what’s so damning. They had plenty of potential with this film, Walsh leading the way, and dropped the ball.

Like I mentioned before, it’s a slick production, so I think director Nelson McCormick did a fine job, especially with the opening scene of the stepfather cleaning himself up, as if he just woke up and is doing his morning duties. As he shaves, and gets dressed, he walks by the bodies of the family he just murdered. It’s creepy and effective, a rare moment when the screen writing was strong. McCormick stages these scenes with high angles letting the unsaid action speak louder than any we’ve could have seen. The PG-13 rating isn’t an issue, in my opinion, because The Stepfather isn’t a gore film filled with bloody murders, it is (well, supposedly) a psychological piece.

Well, damn me for wanting a little case study on the stepfather, because with his saying, Who am I here, we should have explored this issue of why he’s a home wrecker, but the script only offers him as a plot device for the terror. The family is well off, I mean look at the house they live in, so obviously two bread winners weren’t needed. The fact that the divorcee mom latches on to the stepfather so fast, isn’t clear, even though he has this Ted Bundy charming level of appeal. If you want to know how weak the script is, there’s these two awkwardly placed scenes, where one of the cops figuring out who murdered the opening family. The dialogue is clunky and it has no further bearing on the film. The other is the denouement, that doesn’t make sense, only to serve as leaving the door open for the sequel. It completely undermines the events of the climax, and the logic of the film, but then again why am I here?

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: Sony usually releases great high def titles, and this release is no different. We get thick, ink-level blacks, strong contrast and clarity, making for a great looking film. This DTS track is rather subdued, after all things are considered, for a thriller. It’s no fault of the disc or Sony, it’s just the sound design. Everything sounds good, but bass is average, surround elements perk up periodically, but when other thrillers engulf you into the film, this is just-there. Still, it’s a decent release from the makers of Blu-ray.

Commentary: We get a laid back track where the participants are always talking, but it’s rather a ho-hum listen. Director Nelson McCormick and Dylan Walsh appear with actor Penn Badgley, as they talk about the film, the meanings, and whatnot, and while it’s an okay listen, it’s something I won’t highly recommend sitting around to listen, as you’re better off skipping around for some info.

Open House: This 20 minute making-of is pretty solid, offering up some good insights into why the film was remade and why the ‘hero’ went from a girl in the original to a boy in this. In HD, and is the disc’s best extra.

Visualizing the Stunts: In HD, we get an exploration of the stunt work and what they wanted to accomplish in staging the stunts in the house. Good stuff.

A Gag Reel that is pretty good for a change, Trailers, and TV Spots round out the extras.

Conclusion: An average remake that didn’t really add to the original, or really take anything away. Sony’s Blu-ray is good, but what’s with that bland, if not, horrible cover art? Use the original one-sheet please.

The Film: Rating:

The Blu-ray: Rating: