The N. American version used the horror genre established by Kubrick in The Shining, realist domestic horror, and celebrated all Kubrick tried to expose, infanticide, child abuse etc.

As dumb as dumb gets.

As to an actor being hot, well, I think other criteria might come first.  As horror, it could have been a classic,but only films with intellectual/artistic value last.

Interestingly enough, really low budget, ugly films tend to be much more intelligent.  I still say, a huge waste of talent.  I get the feeling the original was going to be good and tehn a committee chopped it up.