It’s been a minute since I’ve seen a horror movie. The newer spooky films tend to be pretty demonic and hard to watch, especially if you have some spiritual morals. So when it was made known that “I Know What You Did Last Summer” was coming back to the screen, my curiosity got the better of me. It’s been 27 years since we were introduce to the slasher. (My how times fly.) So let’s explore how the original stacks up against the new storyline in today’s horror landscape.
To pull this off, director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson had to pull some strings to make this film attractive. Bringing some of the cast from the original movie makes good sense. People would like to know how life was with those teens that survived the terrifying events. Would they become functioning adults or paranoid and unstable human beings. For some us who were old enough to see the first one, we will be intrigued while the new comers have to study intently to make the connection.
So let’s compare stories shall we. In the 1997 version, friends get together and on their way back they have a accident by hitting a pedestrian. They try to dump the body but the pedestrian wakes up and grabs Helen. Barry pushes him into the water and the group swears never to discuss what happen. One year later, Julie comes home, (Southport North Carolina) from college for the summer. Her friends have gone their separate ways but are still struggling over the incident. Julie receives a letter stating “I know what you did last summer” and from there the horrific killing begins by a figure in a raincoat with a welding hook.
Fast forward to now, a group of friends get together for an engagement party in Southport NC. They decide to leave the party to go see some fireworks. An accident occurs where a pedestrian’s truck hits the guard rail and is threatening to go over the cliff. They frantically try to save him while the pedestrian grabs Teddy. Teddy wiggles out of the grip of the pedestrian shirt and the truck falls over the cliff. The group initially were going to the police station to file a report. But they decided not to say anything about their involvement. A year later, Ava (played by Chase Sui Wonders) comes back for Danica’s wedding. At her bridal shower, she receives a card stating ‘I know what you did last summer”. After that, the killing spree begins with the raincoat figure and the welding hook. Here we go again.
I will say, in the 1997 version, those young people had to figure out how to survive and fight back on their own. While newer version, this group had no glue until they were reminded that it had happen before and so they were able to reach out to the remaining survivors of 1997 (Julie and Ray), for some guidance and support which makes the original version stand out. Even the sound effects and music were similar or familiar yet effective. The movie was entertaining and did live up to the gory stunts we loved in the 90’s. The audience walked away saying one thing “nostalgic”
I will rate this movie (2.5/4) 🍿 In theaters July 18th…
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