CURSED

He was born August 2, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio. His childhood has been described as an unhappy one. Illness forced him to drop out of college during his first year. A few years after he was married, he became separated from his wife and two children. He left his job as a teacher and ended up driving a taxi. His first job in the film industry was in the field of editing. His first success as a director was “The Last House on the Left,” a horror film released in 1972. “The Hills have Eyes” (1977), however was the movie that put Wesley Earl Craven’s name on the Hollywood map. Yes, Wes Craven has made his share of scary flics. His name is now associated with fear.

Three years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Craven. We sat together on a panel to discuss the current issues of censorship. It was a very enlightening experience. He directed one of my favorite films, “Music of the Heart” (1999). I know that many are surprised when I share that fact. Wes told me the sad truth of how the industry manipulates projects. Craven’s horror success has been very impressive. “Music of the Heart” was a long time dream of this director. It was also part of a contract agreement prior to “Scream 3.” Unfortunately, this wonderful movie was never publicized. That’s right, they didn’t even promote the one movie he wanted to make.

Wes has also written a novel entitled “Fountain Society.” The studios told him that he could make this story into a major feature. Just before I went to Hollywood, Mr. Craven had the plug pulled on yet another dream. He told me about the werewolf story that they wanted him to do instead. “Cursed” is almost a fitting title for his latest release. Yes, Craven’s name is synonymous with fear, but I know that this man has other dreams way beyond the borders of this bloody genre.

Once again Hollywood tries to manipulate one of its hottest teams. I’m talking about Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson. This was the collaboration that resulted in the trio of “Scream” flics. I know that the original idea of this feature was set in London. I know, because I got to sit in on a photo shoot with Mr. Craven and the London press. I’m not sure what happened to the project after that. I do know that the studios pulled the plug on this project for several weeks. The result was several cast changes. Trying to change some of the special effects also slowed “Cursed” down.

I talked to this director about the influence of his pictures. He shared with me that when he presents evil.he hopes to make it SO terrible that the audience will be drawn to the “good.” He is not afraid of the R-rating and catering to adult audiences. He also does not approve of children viewing his work.

“Cursed” was originally rated R and went through an editing/review process to squeeze it to PG-13. After Dimension Films forced Craven through all the previous disappointments, they didn’t even release the movie to the critics for any screenings. This always sends a signal to those that review entertainment, “this is going to be a bad movie.”

I know, I can tell by the finished product that Craven’s heart just wasn’t in this one.

(This could be sung to the tune of the “Brady Bunch” theme.)

Here’s the story of a girl named Ellie (Christina Ricci).
    She was raising her brother Jimmy (Jesse Eisenberg) on her own.
Their parents had died and it was tragic
    and they were all alone.
But then one day they were cruising down Mulholland.
    There a wolf of some kind leaped into their car.
They swerved and crashed into another
    but with just a wolf scratch so far.
It wasn’t long before the two of them started changing.
    Ellie could smell things from afar.
Jimmy could now beat the local bully.
    That is how “cursed” they are.
(you can stop singing here)

Yes, the brother and sister go through bodily changes, and the werewolf starts eating anyone who lives in Hollywood. The story simply lacks character, plot and all the reshoots in the world cannot make this one any better. It is a cheap horror rip-off for the teenage “I miss Buffy” crowd. There is plenty of sexual themes, bloody violence and language for any PG-13 movie.

My strong recommendation is to skip this. I also warn parents that every scrap of Craven’s original cut will be included in the DVD release.

Violence: Heavy / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Heavy