I remember reading William Golding's book back in my youth as well as watching both versions of 'Lord of the Flies', and I actually remember thinking the American version was pretty good. Re-watched it again and my feelings remain the same, but I did forget that the "monster" in the movie was actually called the "beast" in film, and I was questioning my decision to revisit this film at the beginning of the movie. Checking out IMDB, it's disappointing to see most of the child actors didn't have great careers, except Getty who was prominent in the 90s, and the kid who played Simon resurfaced in 2002 to have career in TV and movies. The film was adequately directed and location felt genuine. For the most part, the acting was pretty good, particularly from Danuel Pipoly who played Piggy.
The problem with the updated version is some of the script -particularly at the beginning of the film where I felt wasn't realistic enough to set the premise. Realistically, more kids would be terrified and crying, particularly the younger ones. I also didn't understand the relationship between Ralph and Jack, or the inclusion of the pilot which didn't really gel for me as it established days had passed. I think Jack should have been more antagonistic in the beginning before his metamorphosis into a power-hungry hunter. The script got better as the story developed and I'm glad the film potentially introduced a new audience curiosity for the book. Some great imagery, such as the beach bonfire scene, or smoking out the "prey" scene, but the film did have a television movie feel rather than a cinematic one.
I personally would recommend both the 1963 version and this one for fans of the book. I give it extra points for a young cast enduring the elements and holding this film together. If you haven't read the book, you should read it, as I plan to hopefully read it again soon.
***½ out of *****!
The problem with the updated version is some of the script -particularly at the beginning of the film where I felt wasn't realistic enough to set the premise. Realistically, more kids would be terrified and crying, particularly the younger ones. I also didn't understand the relationship between Ralph and Jack, or the inclusion of the pilot which didn't really gel for me as it established days had passed. I think Jack should have been more antagonistic in the beginning before his metamorphosis into a power-hungry hunter. The script got better as the story developed and I'm glad the film potentially introduced a new audience curiosity for the book. Some great imagery, such as the beach bonfire scene, or smoking out the "prey" scene, but the film did have a television movie feel rather than a cinematic one.
I personally would recommend both the 1963 version and this one for fans of the book. I give it extra points for a young cast enduring the elements and holding this film together. If you haven't read the book, you should read it, as I plan to hopefully read it again soon.
***½ out of *****!