That "Invaders From Mars" Remake...Still Messed Up!

Okay, let's talk about "Invaders From Mars" (1986). I saw it way too young and it definitely scarred me, haha. Like, the original is classic sci-fi cheesy goodness, but this one... this one went for straight-up body horror. The practical effects are actually really well done, but that probe scene? Ugh. And the reveal of the Supreme Intelligence? Nightmare fuel! I think what really got me was how it played on childhood anxieties – your parents lying to you, teachers acting weird, the whole world turning against you. It's a pretty potent theme. Hunter Carson is actually pretty good as David. He sells the fear and desperation really well. I mean, it's a kid acting scared, but it feels pretty authentic. And Karen Black as Dr. Linda Magnusson is just amazing. She brings this weary sincerity to the role that makes you instantly trust her, which is crucial because you need a grounding force in all the madness. Louise Fletcher's performance as Mrs. McKeltch is also great. She is creepy. Like, truly and deeply unsettling. No wonder David knows something is up. Visually, it's stunning at times with the dreamlike atmosphere. The score is odd, but seems to add to the fever dream feeling. I'm not sure about the ending. It's quite abrupt and a bit of a cop-out (going to avoid spoilers). The pacing is a bit off too, but it's mostly the middle that sags a little, and then it ramps up the weirdness again for the finale. Ultimately, I think it's a flawed but fascinating movie. It's not exactly "good" in the traditional sense, but it's definitely memorable. Did it make you feel uncomfortable? Good. That's the point, I think. Definitely worth a watch if you're into body horror and sci-fi with a darker edge. But maybe don't let the kids watch it too young... learn from my mistakes, lol.