“Straw Dogs” is an adaptation of Gordon Williams’ novel, “The Siege of Trencher’s Farm,” and a remake of writer-director Sam Peckinpah’s ’71 moralistic, social commentary revenge thriller. Married couple David (James Marsden) and Amy Summer (Kate Bosworth) return to her southern hometown to sell her late father’s dilapidated house. It’s a chance for her screenwriter-husband to work in seclusion and for Amy to be a celebrated actress. Former beau Charlie (Alexander Skarsgard, actor-son of Stellan) is a rough, ex-football jock as compared to the cultured and studious David. When Charlie and his roughhewn pals are hired to work on the ramshackle house, he still has the hots for his ex, whereupon escalating events lead to conflicts in the couple’s marriage. Accusations that David isn’t man enough can push the peaceable spouse over the edge. When violence becomes prevalent including a vicious assault, it’s an intrinsic event and there’s no turning back for anyone.
Writer-director Rod Lurie’s redo of the original horror-shocker is impressive with quality performances from James Marsden, Kate Bosworth , and Alexander Skarsgard who seethes with animal intensity, reminiscent of his “True Blood” vampire. In a subplot, James Woods makes his mark as a soused, has-been gridiron coach retaliating against the mentally challenged Jeremy (Dominic Purcell) that violated his daughter. The dramatics are gripping, and the depictions vivid in the storyline of what-goes-around-comes-around.
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