Toolbox Murders (2004)

Continuing my ignorance of movies I didn't know were remakes is the 2004 version of Toolbox Murders. Directed by Tobe Hooper (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Poltergeist) I had to give it a try.

From what I can tell this version stands heads and shoulders above the 1978 film of the same name. The movie stars Angela Bettis (May) who moves into this old building (the Lusman building to be exact) currently under major renovations. At this time we are also introduced to the other residents.  These include Juliet Landau (Drusilla from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) to even a small role by Sherri Moon Zombie. It doesn't take Angela long to realize this house is full of evil as the residents are slowly knocked off - usually killed by power tools. The very creepy and odd maintenance man is the obvious choice, but that idea is quickly discarded as the movie carries on. For the most part the movie is really good. There is a lot of mystery about the house and the strange markings that are found all over the property. The killer isn't revealed until later in the movie so until then there is a lot of guessing. Some of the kills are very clever and the special effects pretty good. I was entertained from the very beginning to the end. Recommended if you are a fan of slashers.