“Carrie” (2013) was an unnecessary remake, but at least it was well made; I’d give it an 8 out of 10. Julianne Moore gave a beautiful performance as always, and Chloe Grace Moretz was mesmerizing — particularly in wrath mode. I recognized her instantly from the fantastic “Let Me In” (2010). I’m hoping she has a long career as a leading lady in the horror genre.

Beyond that, though, this remake brings little new to the table. If memory serves, “Carrie” was a relatively simple story when Stephen King originally wrote it (I read the book in high school), and I think this flick sticks to the book. There is minimal exposition about Carrie’s powers, how or why she develops them, or how many “others” there are out there like her. There isn’t much of a detailed or layered story that draws the viewer in. (Compare this to the above-mentioned “Let Me In,” which was disturbingly different and unexpected in so many ways.) This is really just a simple adolescent revenge tale with sexual undercurrents and an arbitrary horror-movie plot device. This is a competently made scary movie, but not classic horror.

A few things near then end confused me. There are … stones falling on the house? From where? Moved by Carrie?

What is the significance of the very final shot (and the screaming)?

Why the surprise plot reveal about the supporting character? I actually cannot remember if this was in King’s novel.