Look in a dictionary, under strange: Glover

If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Crispin Glover , you’ll find him at your neighborhood multiplex starring in the remake of the 1971 horror film “Willard.” He plays the same role that Bruce Davison did in the original, that of the inhibited title character who develops a symbiotic relationship with a gang of killing rats.

Glover has always boasted a creepy presence, whether playing George McFly in “Back to the Future,” the speed-freak Layne in “River’s Edge” or Andy Warhol in “The Doors.” But he’s never had a lead performance like this since … well, maybe ever.

And he’s the best thing about the film. First-time director Glen Morgan manages to update the original to a level above its cheesy roots, but not by much. We never get a real feel for who and what Willard is, much less why the temp played by Laura Elena Harring (“Mulholland Drive”) would be the slightest bit attracted to him. And R. Lee Ermey gives his standard drill-sergeant performance as Willard’s doomed boss.

So that leaves Glover, who once was blackballed from the David Letterman show — imagine that — after showing up acting strangely and nearly karate-kicking Letterman with the heavy clogs that he was wearing. No problem. Strangeness is this guy’s claim to fame, and we are the ultimate beneficiaries.