It’s Alive. 2008. Reviewed by Brian Kirst.
Yes, this is an unnecessary remake – and yes, many potshots have been taken at the final product online and in print. But, anyone with a preconceived bias or anyone expecting a shot on the cheap in Romania (or the equivalent) horror flick to be anything but far from perfect shouldn’t be reviewing the film in the first place.
Those familiar with the well regarded original will discover this version strays some from Larry Cohen’s initial intent as our heroine here actually takes her child home after the (by now) infamous operating room massacre. (In the former, the murderous child escapes after flambéing the hospital staff – with his conflicted father joining in the manhunt.)Surprisingly, by concentrating on the feminine aspect, the film actually reminds one how chillingly emotional the choice of abortion or birth can still be for the modern woman when freedom of choice is (and always should be) such a relevant option.
Of course, this mama’s boy soon starts a’ killing and the brief glimpses of his monstrous persona are over-the-top and incongruously laughable. But, that is part of the reason those low budget sci fi/monster flicks from the 1950’s and 1960’s are so much fun to view and there is no reason to assume the same can’t hold true today, as well.
Most importantly, this Its Alive proves to be a revelation for fans of frequent horror queen Bijou Phillips (Venom, Wizard of Gore, Hostel 2). Long experienced at playing carnally knowledgable victims, here Phillips grows up and is fully connected to the emotionally traumatic challenges her character faces. Quite an achievement for this former wild child (rumored to have cut off a man’s finger tip with a cigar cutter), heartbreaker (you reading this, Sean Lennon?), commercially unsuccessful singer and one time Playboy model!!!
