Fright Night 3D review

The original of this movie’s is hailed as an 80’s classic, and is also the favourite movie of the star of this new version Colin Farrell. So what can the brooding Irishman, Anton Yelchin and the rest of the cast bring to the tale of the vampire next door storyline to make it seem new and fresh? Something that is always a risk with a cult classic, stay true to the original or give it a whole new modern makeover…

There is no way that you can call the original Fright Night a great movie, especially not when stood against others that were released in that decade. What it did do however was manage to successfully meld the genres of cinema that are the furthest apart, horror and comedy. Through in some cool special effects and some rather inventive gore and you have yourself a movie that is loved and revered across the world.

So to the remake, it has got to the stage that you now walk into a theatre to view a remake with a heavy heart and everything crossed possible. Many a classy original has been sullied by a trashy remake, and taking on a cult classic is even more of a risk. So it was brilliant to uncross everything within 5 minutes, sit back, and enjoy a really good movie. Craig Gillespie’s version of Fright Night is bold, innovative and a whole lot of fun.

The basic plot is obviously much the same as the original, but there are things that play out differently and some changes made to the characters. Charlie Brewster (Anton Yelchin) is growing up, and away from his friend since childhood Evil Ed, and leaving his geekdom behind as he pursues the school hottie who is way out if his league.

When new neighbor Jerry (Farrell) moves in, Charlie’s frustrated mom (another brilliant performance from Toni Collette) is elated, but invariably, the handsome Jerry is not all he seems. Some of Charlie’s classmates start to disappear, and Ed tries to convince him that his new neighbor is a vampire. This is actually bang on the money, and as things deteriorate rapidly, Charlie decides that he will be the one to save the town.

His first step is to seek the help of a Vegas musician/vampire expert Peter Vincent

After all hell breaks loose and Charlie starts to understand exactly what Jerry is up to he looks to Vegas magician and vampire expert Peter Vincent(David Tennant) for help. Fright Night does what it is meant to do brilliantly, the comedy is very funny and the horror, well, horrific.

The script is very sharp and the cast, as an ensemble, do a sterling job. There were a few voiced doubts about Anton Yelchin taking the pivotal role, but he excels as the highly likeable Charlie. His transition from frightened teen to badass vampire hunter is very well done and also believable. Farrell is perfect as the charming and sinister Jerry, but doesn’t quite pull of the fang baring ferocity. Overall, a great movie to been savoured without worrying about cramp in the crossed fingers and toes.