There's inherent risk when revisiting older films and attempting a modern remake for today's audiences. Hollywood has employed this strategy for years, so it’s not entirely new to consider. It takes something to revitalize the freshness and impact of an original film that was once critically acclaimed, popular, trendy, and successful at the box office. So, what prompted the decision to revive a mediocre 1990 psychological thriller about medicine and attempt to re-package it as a glossy horror/science fiction fantasy centered on a tired life-and-death theme geared toward younger viewers? Perhaps director Niels Arden Oplev (‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’) can shed light on this puzzling question with his contemporary take on Joel Schumacher’s **Flatliners**. While Schumacher's original wasn't particularly engaging or stimulating, it did feature a notable cast of young Hollywood actors (Julia Roberts, Kiefer Sutherland, Billy Baldwin, Kevin Bacon, Hope Davis, Oliver Platt, etc.) that gave the film some creative energy. However, Oplev delivers a lifeless rehash offering weak thrills and chills, superficial frights that lack the tension of a simple medical issue, and a payoff that ultimately falls short. The concept of young, idealistic doctors exploring the boundaries of human existence beyond physical awareness is intriguing in terms of consciousness, medical science, spirituality, and plain curiosity. Nevertheless, **Flatliners** (Oplev’s version) lacks the necessary spark to explore any deep moral dilemmas or philosophical questions within this disjointed supernatural medical drama that feels empty. Oplev's uninspired direction and a standard script by Ben Ripley fail to inject excitement into what becomes a film lacking heart—pun intended. Ironically, reviving the 27-year-old Schumacher film as a contemporary copycat that relies more on visual effects than substance is itself the biggest failure. The story follows young doctors who experiment with stopping their hearts and restarting them, driven by guilt, fascination with death, and a desire to explore the unknown. During these "flatliner" sessions, they experience unsettling sensations but remain drawn to the eerie tranquility of entering a dreamlike or nightmarish state. They believe their brain function improves as a result. However, Courtney and her colleagues begin experiencing supernatural psychosis, including resurfaced secrets, disturbing memories, and an overall sense of unease. Among those participating in these risky experiments are James Norton’s Jamie, Nina Dobrev’s Marlo, Kiersey Clemon’s Sophia, and Diego Luna’s Rudy, who serves as Courtney's boyfriend and revives her and her associates after their journeys through death’s realm. These young actors seem more like polished models than serious medical professionals. The real mystery isn’t the dedication of these students attempting to explore traumatic experiences while stopping their organs; it’s why this remake was made in the first place. Oplev's narrative feels clumsy, trivial, pointless, and far-fetched. Even Schumacher’s original had a degree of earnestness despite its flaws. This film lacks energy, drive, scares, or insight into what is essentially recycled material. The production looks cheap, and the doctors’ journey into death is reduced to them reacting to past psychological issues. It's hardly captivating. The true failure lies in presenting **Flatliners** as a significant medical drama. Predictable jump-scares are overused. This drowsy film has nothing meaningful to say beyond superficial visual effects intended to add credibility. The inclusion of Kiefer Sutherland, reprising his role from the original film as a middle-aged lecturer, is a nostalgic touch, but there's little else to appreciate in this flimsy paranormal fantasy. Ellen Page and her colleagues come across as polished young actors who seem better suited for a commercial than portraying doctors risking their lives. The dialogue feels immature, and the casual treatment of life and death becomes tiresome. Page, once an adventurous actress known for taking on complex roles, is constrained by this science fiction/horror healthcare hazard. What **Flatliners** needs—or any future sequels or remakes—is a quarantine sign posted on its hospital bed. **Flatliners** (2017) Columbia Pictures 1 hour 48 minutes CAST: Ellen Page, James Norton, Kiefer Sutherland, Diego Luna, Nina Dobrev and Kiersey Clemons DIRECTOR: Niels Arden Oplev WRITER: Ben Ripley MPAA Rating: PG-13 GENRE: Horror/Science Fiction/Drama/Fantasy Critic’s rating: * 1/2 stars (out of 4 stars) (c) **Frank Ochieng** (2017)

Source on TMDB