Leigh Paatsch reviews Patrick

THIS remake of the 1978 Australian cult shocker Patrick doesn't let its love or respect for the original get in the way of a good time.

Patrick (MA 15+)

Three stars out of five

Director: Mark Hartley

Starring: Sharni Vinson, Rachel Griffiths, Charles Dance

THIS remake of the 1978 Australian cult shocker Patrick doesn't let its love or respect for the original get in the way of a good time.

Think of it as more of a sly cover version. You may already know the tune, but it is being played with such energy and intent, a fresh new take is achieved.

Inside a creaky, shrieky psychiatric hospital on the outskirts of nowhere, a bitter and twisted doctor (Charles Dance) has thrown away the textbook.

In fact, he is using his (mostly catatonic) patients as guinea pigs for a dodgy medical experiment.

A hunky young vegetable named Patrick (Jackson Gallagher) is not able to take this mistreatment any longer.

Blessed with a vast array of telekinetic powers, Patrick uses his mind to wreak havoc on those who are exploiting his body.

Most of them deserve what is surely coming to them, such as the hospital's icy matron (Rachel Griffiths) and tarty ward nurse (Peta Sergeant).

However, when Patrick develops a comatose crush on a new staff member (Sharni Vinson, left), his jealousy manifests itself in many strange and life-threatening ways.

It must be saidIt must be said while this movie struggles to rustle up many genuine scares, it has no problem delivering plenty of genial jolts and grotty gross-outs to any willing takers.

Patrick : Now showing in all states except Queensland