Review – Helter Skelter (2004)

Though simpler and more graphic than the original miniseries, this new version of the classic tale of Charles Manson lacks the 70s-era creepiness of the first video version. That isn’t to say that this go-around doesn’t have its plusses; if nothing else, the new one isn’t anywhere near as Bugliosi-intensive as the old version or the book. I also appreciated the attempt – at least at the beginning – to show at least some of the how and why of Manson’s appeal. But by the end it degenerates into yet another loco-hippie-psycho-killer crime-doesn’t-pay production. Mildly amusing