
The Stepfather
2009, Horror/Mystery and thriller, 1h 41m
63 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
This tepid remake of the 1987 cult classic lacks the tension and satirical undercurrents of the original. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
David Harris
Susan Harding
Michael Harding
Kelly Porter
Jay
Leah
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Critic Reviews for The Stepfather
All Critics (63) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (7) | Rotten (56)
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The genre has diverged into two paths: the brutally gruesome and the suspenseful. This is going for the latter, which would have been fine if it were in fact thrilling.
August 12, 2010 | Rating: 2.5/5 | Full Review… -
There's mayhem all over the place and not a policeman, or much logic, in sight. Watchable nonsense, with performances better than the story deserves.
December 11, 2009 | Rating: 2/5 -
Cliché-ridden and full of plot-holes.
December 11, 2009 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
Not so much a contemporary re-make of Joseph Ruben's 1987 psychological thriller as a lobotomised bastard step-child: over-plotted, over-long, and stripped of the original's sharp, satirical subversion of suburban family values.
December 11, 2009 | Rating: 1/5 | Full Review… -
If the movie's attic-bound climax is a little predictable and the plot holes rather gaping, The Stepfather, unlike many of its more prestigious A-class competitors, is never less than entertaining.
December 11, 2009 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
It's all very silly, but effective popcorn entertainment.
December 11, 2009 | Rating: 3/5
Audience Reviews for The Stepfather
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Jan 03, 2012One of my firsts thoughts during The Stepfather was cutting 10 minute from the running time would do the movie a world of good. Second thought...cutting everything but 10 minutes might be the best option. Outside of the credits sequence, there's no zip or drama in the entire story. Part of the problem is the audience is never left guessing as to whether Dylan Walsh's character is a bad guy or not. We know he is, thus robbing the film of anything resembling tension. Another problem is the shameless manipulation of the characters, conveniently moving them into and out of the story with no finesse. (Watch how the finale leaves two main characters out of the action "just because.") I couldn't help but mock Penn Badgley through the entire production...not the desired reaction to the hero of the piece. What dreck.Jason V Super Reviewer
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Dec 02, 2011The plot is very interesting, don't get me wrong. But this movie wasn't scary at all, or even chilling. My little sister watched it and was scared but it didn't give me any chills. The music was creepy, but cliche. The acting was surprisingly not bad, but they didn't have any horror acting abilities, in other words their acting never made me feel scared. This movie fails at being scary, but succeeds at having a good concept and actors.Bradley W Super Reviewer
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Sep 18, 2011Devestatingly boring and overplayed, this movie had little or no merit whatsoever. There is almost 0% blood, gore or indeed horror to this wannabe remake of a classic. Walsh was convincing enough and the acting wasn't terrible, but even the best actors cannot work well with a terrible script. One of the worst remakes in the history of horror regurgitation.Unknown H Super Reviewer
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Jul 15, 2011Below average thriller.Mesh B Super Reviewer
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