Remaking classic horror films can make any fan of the genre leery, but most of us should be able to agree that the 1988 version of The Blob is a great example of a horror movie remake done right. The film, directed by Chuck Russell and co-written by Russell and Frank Darabont, is a direct remake of the 1958 film of the same name starring Steve McQueen. While the original Blob is undoubtedly a horror classic, the 1988 remake really shines on its own, developing a strong cult following in the decades since its release.
Like the original, The Blob is a simple story about a bizarre slime-like organism that grows bigger and bigger as it feeds. One of the key differences is that the titular Blob was an alien life form in the 1958 version, while it is revealed to have been created by a secret government organization in the remake. Regardless, the devastation caused by the Blob is pretty much the same, with the carnivorous creature consuming nearly a whole town before it is stopped by way of freezing it. The remake also succeeds in modernizing the story for that era, keeping what was great about the original while also improving upon its potential with the technology of the ’80s.
The remake also has an excellent cast, and it’s the presence of these actors that also really help make The Blob so enjoyable. This includes horror star Shawnee Smith from the Saw franchise and Entourage star Kevin Dillon as two teenagers attacked by the Blob. Frequent Frank Darabont collaborator Jeffrey DeMunn — The Walking Dead‘s Dale — also has as memorable role as Sheriff Herb Geller, and horror legend Bill Moseley can also be seen as a soldier battling the slimy creature.
It’s strange that The Blob hasn’t gotten a modern remake yet, given how most other major horror classics from years past have since been revisited in some form or another. This hasn’t been for a lack of trying. In 2009, The Devil’s Rejects director Rob Zombie had announced he was working on another remake of The Blob, but for better or for worse, the project fell through. It was later reported in 2015 that Simon West, director of Con Air and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, was the next filmmaker to attempt remaking The Blob. There have been no notable updates on the project ever since.
RELATED: Scream Factory Releases ‘The Blob’ Remake on Blu-ray
The original version of The Blob, along with the bizarre 1972 sequel Beware! The Blob, certainly made for a fun viewing experience. For some horror fans, however, the definitive version of the story is the 1988 remake. The film has since been re-released with an awesome new Blu-ray set from Scream Factory, and you can watch the trailer for the home video release below.
RELATED: Scream Factory 16-Disc ‘Friday the 13th’ Collection Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order
