Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)


REVIEWER RATING: 
7/10


With the success of the remake it didn't take long before the studio decided to make another film, but instead of a sequel, we'd be given a prequel that would detail Leatherface's past. The idea sparked much interest among the horror community as we've never received much insight on the family's background, especially that of Leatherface in any of the previous films. It was hinted that he had a hard childhood in the remake, which gave us an idea as to why Leatherface became the way he is. The Beginning offers some interesting ideas on the family, but we really don't see much of our chainsaw-wielding maniac growing up except for an intro montage over some credits.

The film takes place in 1969, which is four years before the events of the remake. In the film we're shown how R. Lee Ermy became Sheriff Hoyt, how Uncle Monty lost his legs, and the family's introduction to cannibalism (which was nonexistent in the remake) and Leatherface's first use of his ever-favorite weapon -- the trusty chainsaw. Darkness Falls director Jonathan Liebesman returns from doing shorts to go behind the camera for this film replacing Marcus Nispel as director of the '03 version.

Although this takes place some years before the events of the remake, things don't change much in terms of victims. This time 'round we have yet another group of youngsters that have a little mishap on a secluded Texas road, where the sheriff picks'em up and the rest is history. What this film does offer aside from a little background information on the family is more brutality and gore than the '03 version. In fact, the much-hated MPAA slapped the film with an NC-17 rating until a reported 17 cuts had to have been made to be given a more theater-friendly R-rating. Hopefully we'll see all the cuts on an Unrated DVD. We're also given a lot more of Sheriff Hoyt, who once again delivers a lot of hilarious lines.

So how does the movie rank with the remake? In my opinion I still like the remake a little better and the original above-all. Had this movie actually come before the remake then I'd say this was better, but since the theme of this film is pretty much the same as the '03 version (aside from a little history on the family) I was actually a little disappointed. I don't know what I was expecting, but I guess I was hoping to see a little footage of a young Leatherface as he grows into the beast he is now. Though, I have to admit that his new muzzle-mask is a refreshing take on his usual skin-mask, which would have been a bit tiring had it been used again.

The film's aim to be more realistic, bloody, and violent than the '03 version succeeded, but doesn't offer quite much more in terms of story. Sure we're shown how some things came to be with the family, but in the end we're still dealing with the same-old. Regardless, this is still a fun, brutal ride and I enjoyed every minute.
OVERALL: 
The film's aim to be more realistic, bloody, and violent than the '03 version succeeded, but doesn't offer quite much more in terms of story. Sure we're shown how some things came to be with the family, but in the end we're still dealing with the same-old. Regardless, this is still a fun, brutal ride and I enjoyed every minute.


UHM is an independently owned site that relies solely on ad revenue, so we ask that if you like this site and what we do to help support by temporarily disabling ad block (if you're using one). If you'd rather help in other ways you can also send a tip by clicking here (or the button below). Any amount helps and will go towards the costs to maintain the site. Anyone who donates will also be listed in our thanks page.