FRIGHT NIGHT
A suburban teenager realizes that his new neighbor is a charismatic vampire in this remake of the 1985 horror comedy hit. After years of climbing to reach the top of the social ladder, high school senior Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) finally rules the roost. Just as Charley ditches his best pal, "Evil" Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), and starts dating the most popular girl in their class, however, a handsome new face appears in the neighborhood. It belongs to Charley's new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell), an outwardly amiable guy with a quick smile and a sharp wit. But when Charley sees a side of Jerry that everyone else seems to miss, he quickly becomes convinced that the nice-guy act is a cover for something truly sinister. Unable to convince his charmed mother (Toni Collette) that Jerry is a genuine bloodsucker, the suspicious teen turns to Las Vegas magician Peter Vincent (David Tennant) to help exterminate the demon before he drinks the entire neighborhood dry. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Craig Gillespie
Cast: Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, David Tennant, Imogen Poots
Release Date: Aug 19, 2011
Rated R for bloody horror violence and language including some sexual references
Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min.
Genres: Comedy, Horror
Review:
The Fright Night remake is one those of those remakes that could have gone terribly wrong. Luckily with a strong script, cast and director it succeeds in properly updating a cult classic respectfully but giving it enough new shine to entertain. Craig Gillespie directs his film with the right sense of horror and comedy, something the original did fairly well. He also gives the film a brisk feel that keeps the proceedings moving at a steady pace and never lets the film lag. Anton Yelchin is solid if somewhat unmemorable in his general blandness, it’s not overpowering or detrimental just noticeable. Colin Farrell though is magnetic and electric throughout. He exudes charisma, masculinity and a primal ferocity, it’s an impressive turn that the rest of the film revolves around. Christopher Mintz-Plasse is strong in the limited but pivotal role of Ed. David Tennant is also lots of fun as Peter Vincent, he leaves you wishing he was given more screen time. The 2 talented ladies that make up the rest of the cast, Toni Collette & Imogen Poots, are fairly underused and in all honesty anybody could have played either role. While I watched the film in 2D there was a noticeable sense of 3D set ups using some incredibly tired popout at you techniques. I’ve never hate the 3D thing as much as most but it looks like a massive ripoff here. As for the film itself, it’s fun and well executed showing that if you must remake films at least makes sure all parties involved are bringing their A material.
B
