The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) is a horror film directed by Marcus Nispel and a remake of the 1974 classic of the same name by Tobe Hooper. The film, produced by Michael Bay and directed by Nispel, was released on October 17, 2003, and is part of the wave of remakes of iconic horror films in the early 2000s.

The film follows a group of friends—Erin (played by Jessica Biel), her boyfriend Kemper (played by Eric Balfour), and their friends, who are traveling through rural Texas. When they come across a distressed hitchhiker, they pick her up, only to find themselves in the middle of a gruesome and terrifying encounter with a deranged family of killers. The group soon falls prey to the infamous Leatherface, a monstrous figure who wears the skin of his victims, and the rest of his disturbing family members.

The 2003 Texas Chainsaw Massacre received mixed to positive reviews. Many critics praised the film for its intense atmosphere, the performances (particularly from Jessica Biel and R. Lee Ermey), and its ability to capture the essence of the original film while updating it for a modern audience. However, some critics felt the movie relied too heavily on gore and lacked the tension and subtlety of the 1974 version.

Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide against a budget of $9.5 million. It also spawned a prequel (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning) in 2006 and contributed to the resurgence of slasher films in the 2000s.

While it doesn’t have the same cultural impact as the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the 2003 remake is remembered as one of the better horror remakes of the early 2000s. The film’s gritty and relentless tone set it apart from other slasher movies of the era and brought a new generation of viewers to the Texas Chainsaw franchise. Additionally, the film’s success led to the resurgence of interest in horror franchises, influencing the way remakes were approached in the genre.