One Missed Call Remake

Warner Bros. is set to distribute the remake of Japanese horror film, "One Missed Call".

Originally set for an August release date ( a date know for the release of the studios' crappy films), it now appears they like the outcome of the film enough for a somewhat New Years-like release date of January 4, making it the first horror release of 2008.

In case you don't know, the first film, directed by Takashi Miike in 2003, told a long, but well written story about a young college student trying to find out why her friends keep turning up dead after receiving terrifying cell phone messages that are being dialed from their own phone.

Now I know what your thinking. Basic "B" horror movie fair with short and sweet premise that could have the potential to scare the meek. Those who have received phone calls from their own phone and called ghost busters.

Regardless of what people might tell you it's not that cut and dry. Now unlike "The Ring" remake which I felt left out a crap load of back-story for the child and mother, this film seems to not make the same mistake.

The movie takes a different turn when a cop joins the student in actually trying to help (unlike in most films) her trace the origin of the original call, and creepy ass ring tone (which they did change from the original movie).

Without giving too much away in the end it's basically tale about if the mother from "The Bad Seed" was accused of child abuse which resulted in her daughter's death(if the last 2nd from last seen of that movie had worked), then was murdered by the spirit of her dead child (if you get what I'm saying good, if not you can look up "The Bad Seed", either version will do).

They also through in a look at the state of reality TV when her last friend to receive the phone call agrees to go on live television and be exorcised. I really thought they would edit this from the remake, but they haven't.

I know it sounds crazy but it's actually a really interestingly shot scene in the original film.

All in all I really have hope for this film because of the ending, or rather multiple endings. From a righting point of view, I didn't see that one coming. From a special effects point of view, if they DON'T use CGI on the scene where she finds the little girl's mother (who is listed as a missing person throughout the film), and go the Rick Baker route much like in "The Ring" audiences are going to have difficulty sleeping at night.

Oh, and one more thing don't watch the original before the remake it may only precondition your mind against the film before the opening credits roll. Wait until after--then compare.