10 A-List Actors Who Did Z-Grade Horror Films
6. Renee Zellweger - Return Of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The real reason to watch this sequel/remake/whatever is to see Bridget Jones herself, Renee Zellweger (Best Supporting Actress, Cold Mountain), playing a Velma Dinkley-ish heroine. Writer/director Kim Henkel seems to know what he’s doing, too, dressing her in glasses, having a character describe her as a “dog” and even giving her a nemesis, played by Matthew McConaughey (Best Actor, Dallas Buyers Club), named Vilmer. Then Henkel starts playing to hippie paranoia (trendy in the 70s, out of place in the 90s) and blows it big time.
Following talk about surveillance equipment and shadowy organizations, a Man In Black appears and starts berating Vilmer for falling behind in his duties, which apparently include making people “know the true meaning of horror.” (Note to audience: he succeeds).
Beyond that, there’s no explanation, but Vilmer must’ve ticked off his handlers something fierce because he’s later assassinated by a low-flying plane (don’t ask), after which Zellweger accepts a ride in Man In Black’s limo. “It was supposed to be a spiritual experience,” he tells her. “I can’t tell you how disappointed I am.”