Pet Sematary (1989) Review:

Cats, dogs, gerbils, hamsters, fish etcetera…pets are a normal thing for most families. Rarely is there a family without some kind of animal inhabiting the household. For those who are good families, the memories of a pet will last for years and be a reason for keeping pets around once they pass on. Unfortunately, as with the highs come the lows – the passing of family members including pets are hard to deal with sometimes. It also can be a child’s first exposure to what the concept of death is in general. As like other topics such as Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny, having children come to this realization can be hard to comprehend. Losing a pet is hard but the thought of bringing them back is not an option. At least, in the real world. This movie though gives a reason as to why it shouldn’t be a thing.
 
Based on the novel and adapted for film by Stephen King, this movie is about the Creed family that recently moves into their new home only to realize there’s a mysterious grave site not far off from their property. At first Rachel (Denise Crosby), her children Ellie (Blaze Berdahl) and Gage (Miko Hughes) are a bit hesitant to understand the significance of it. However, Jud Crandall (Fred Gwynne) who is their neighbor across the road convinces Louis (Dale Midkiff) and his family to visit the area. Turns out the place is a graveyard called the “Pet Sematary” spelt incorrectly for a reason never explained. The reason for all the pet tombstones is due to the carelessness of all the truck drivers speeding through the road right off the Creed’s driveway. What’s more important is the area beyond the graves that is not the place for those looking for something that’ll benefit them.
 
Further out is an ancient burial ground that has “soured” for anything laid to rest there will come back reanimated, but not the same way. The film was directed by Mary Lambert who in her previous credits directed music videos to Madonna. For writing since King as the author had full access to his self-adapted screenplay, the narrative is curiously odd to watch. Everything is interesting except how some characters behave which drives the whole story. Some characters make really idiotic decisions that don’t make any sense. All it does is lead down the path of a significantly worse outcome than before. And yet the reason behind making these decisions goes unexplained. What purpose did it serve? It’s even worse when the characters don’t act evil or have bad intentions. They just seem brainless and in the long run, it can make characters less likable.

Besides this though, because it is a Stephen King novel based movie it still is a creepy watch. Seeing that King is known for mainly his good horror stories, this is one of them. All the actors effectively perform their roles in this movie. Dale Midkiff although not the most recognizable lead, does a good job as the dad. The most seasoned of thespians in this film goes to Fred Gwynne as Jud. Better known for his comedic chops in shows like Car 54 and The Munsters, seeing Gwynne in a role that is more serious and horrific is different as well. Gywnne is believable as the old neighbor next door. Brad Greenquist plays a dead person who warns characters of impending doom. This movie serves as Miko Hughes’ debut in film. He would later go on to starring in Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994) and even Spawn (1997). Even the cat who plays Church is a good animal actor too.
 
From a visual standpoint, the movie is well shot. Handling the cinematography was Peter Stein, a familiar to the horror genre. Early on in his career he worked as a camera second unit for the original Friday the 13^th (1980) and then as director of photography for the sequel Friday the 13^th Part 2 (1981) and Graveyard Shift (1990). The special and practical effects all look good too despite it being 1989. There are several early digital enhancements and makeup effects that still feel real watching now. Lastly the film score was composed by Elliot Goldenthal which at the time would be his first work in the horror genre. Thankfully his work has seen an extended release which allows the viewer to appreciate the vocals, strings and piano being used. The main theme itself sounds sad but creepy at the same time.
 
This is a good movie to watch as it is unsettling. The music and atmosphere bring that out and the acting is all done professionally. It’s the choices certain characters make that’ll make the audience question the common sense behind them. Because it really just is dumb.

Points Earned --> 7:10