You heard the one about the horror franchise that goes from interesting straight to video fare to a multi-million dollar remake starring the hottest up and coming actors and took a shed load of money at the box office? That’s what happened in 2005 with the original film being remade with Ryan ‘Tranmere Rovers’ Reynolds and Melissa ‘Home and Away’ George heading the cast.

This had the ability to be truly appalling but I actually really enjoyed it.

I loved the tour of the property the couple have with the alarm clock stuck at 3.15am and the huge blood stain coming down from a room upstairs. The estate agent even sees a spectre but says nothing to make sure she gets the sale.

There are downsides such as the films vision of the 70’s which is way too sanitised and doesn’t feel authentic no matter how many artifacts we get (a Kiss poster, Operation, Etch A Sketch). We also get the stock horror scares from the 00’s which are far too reliant on CGI and involve demons that are neither scary or effective.

But the film builds suspense nicely and simmers with slow burning tension. This remake could have been so much worse.

I also loved the babysitter who arrives as overly confident, bordering on inappropriate but leaves a basket case.

The film also gets an extra star for Ryan Reynolds with no shirt on. Yes, it’s superficial but SWEET JESUS! You could grate cheese on his abs.

I still prefer the original but this is one remake that didn’t make me want to pour bleach into my eyes.

3.5 out of 5 stars