Yet another unexpectedly strong entry in the long running “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” series, “Leatherface” doesn’t quite feel like a “Chainsaw” movie, which surprisingly manages to reinvigorate the franchise. It has more in common with Rob Zombie’s 2005 grindhouse homage “The Devil’s Rejects” by way of “Bonnie and Clyde,” and manages to keep the audience on its feet from beginning to end. The demented energy of the original and its first sequel is palpable here, likely thanks to the participation of series creators Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel, and the movie knows just how far to push boundaries before pulling back. However, the movie wouldn’t be nearly as effective were it not for Lili Taylor’s crackerjack performance as Leatherface’s mother, who concurrently radiates both motherly warmth and unthinkable brutality in every frame.
Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)
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