Fright Night 3D is Extremely Well Cast
| Tweet | |
Fright Night 3D follows the guidelines of the original Fright Night from 1985, while adding enough new twists and technology to make the remake worthwhile.
Written by The Horror Czar, Don Sumner
August 19, 2011
Movie Trailer
Image Gallery
Release: August 18, 2011 (U.S. Theatrical)
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Written by: Marti Noxon (screenplay) and Tom Holland (story, film "Fright Night")
Starring:
Anton Yelchin as Charley Brewster
Colin Farrell as Jerry
Toni Collette as Jane Brewster
David Tennant as Peter Vincent
Imogen Poots as Amy
Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Ed
Fright Night is one of the more beloved horror films of the 80s, coming up continually in “best of” lists created by those who appreciate the classics of the genre. In a landscape of horror movie remakes it was only a matter of time before this film was remade but the question that surrounds all remakes is the “why?” On one hand remakes can demonstrate a lack of innovation in the horror genre and an attempt to grab a few quick bucks by capitalizing on a known horror title and storyline. On the other hand, there are certainly times when a classic can be revisited adding new story elements and new technologies to add something meaningful to the classic making it valuable to reintroduce to a new generation of horror fans. Fright Night 3D falls into the second category, adding spot-on casting and a modern and believable setting to tell the story.
Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) is a dweeb turned cool kid who is dating the sexy and sought after Amy (Imogen Poots), much to the chagrin of his old dweebie pal Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). When Charley gets a new next-door neighbor, Jerry (Colin Farrell) he doesn’t immediately make the connection that with Jerry’s arrival came a string a murders around their hometown of Las Vegas. The connection is not at all lost on dweeb friend Ed, but try as he might Ed cannot convince Charley that his new neighbor is in fact a vampire who is killing off the members of their desert-bound community family by family.
The biggest strength in Fright Night 3D is in the casting,
namely Colin Farrell as the vampire Jerry. Those familiar with
Farrell’s work know that he “plays crazy” very well, and pushes that
talent to the hilt as the friendly neighborhood vampire. Farrell is
quirky, creepy and just 
inherently “off” in a way that
makes it
completely believable that he is a 400 year old vampire with little
regard for getting caught or being discrete. The rest of the casting is
excellent as well – the characters of Charlie, Amy and Charlie’s best
friend, all repeats from the 1985 film, are very different than the
originals but in a way that makes them more consistent with typical
teens with typical lives today verses in the 1980s. All of the roles
bring the story to life in a good way.
One of the things that the original Fright Night did well was effects, used sparingly but strategically when it benefited the story. Director Craig Gillespie chose to follow that formula in Fright Night 3D and not overdo the CGI and effects budget but rather use the tools at his disposal to further the experience and make the film work. Some of the effects and gore will take you completely by surprise, happening suddenly and randomly as a young lovely bursts into flames in the sunlight.
The biggest letdown surrounds the 3D experience. Not necessarily the
effect as Fright Night 3D was designed to be in 3D from the
beginning and much care and talent was invested to make things work
exceptionally well. The trouble is the brightness. By necessity this
film is dark – we are talking vampires after all. The trouble is that
watching a 3D movie is like watching a film with sunglasses on, and the
decreased light level results in being keenly aware of the glasses at
all times. Breaks the illusion a bit. Other than being a bit too dark
with the glasses on, there isn’t much wrong with Fright Night 3D.
There will always be an immediate emotional reaction to every remake of
a loved classic and a subsequent negative opinion simply because it is
a 
remake, and horror critics who
overtly state “I am not one of those
who always hates remakes, but…” are typically the worst offenders. This
film pulls off a credible introduction to the story for a new audience
who may not be able to hang with the somewhat dated nature of the
original. The storyline stays true but many of the details are changed
to keep things interesting, just as it should be with a remake.
Ultimately the question surrounding any horror movie remake is “why?” In the case of Fright Night 3D retelling the story with a setting that makes sense in today’s world, coupled with enhanced technology, effects techniques and great casting of the Casanova vampire are enough to make this film enjoyable for those familiar with Fright Night as well as those new to the story.
Questions or comments about Fright Night 3D? Discuss it on The Ossuary Forums!
Take me to Horror Movie Reviews!
Horror Movie Freaks is the FREE eZine from Best-Horror-Movies.com that will give you the new horror releases, the new horror news and the new horror reviews that you CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT!!
Subscribing is easy, painless and free.
Do it NOW!!
