Remakes of classic films are in general bad ideas, particularly when they are updated. Occasionally, though, they manage to get one right. 2011’s Fright Night not only improves on the 1985 original (see my October 25, 2011 review), but also gives us the best vampire movie in nearly three decades. See for yourself by checking out this hot new DVD from your Roanoke Valley Public Library.
Fright Night 2011 remains faithful to the original while modernizing it, ratcheting up the shocks, and relocating the story to Las Vegas. Colin Farrell takes on the vampire next door role of Jerry Dandridge originated by Chris Sarandon (who gets a wonderfully unexpected cameo appearance). It’s some of his best work. He’s not a fancy dresser this time but a fruit munching nighttime construction worker on the Vegas strip. And Farrell’s creepy performance, paired with some new aspects of the script, make this Jerry more serial killer-like than your typical vampire. When boy next door Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) discovers Jerry's true nature, he seeks out vampire slayer and master illusionist Peter Vincent to help save his neighborhood.
Scottish actor David Tennant gives a marvelous scene stealing performance as Vincent. His fans from the BBC’s new Doctor Who will particularly like him here. He literally plays two characters as Vincent’s sexy demon battling master illusionist Vegas stage persona and the wimpy drunken wastrel of his sad reality. He’s fun, funny, and somehow also sympathetic.
Yelchin, solid throughout, also has some funny and charming moments, but Charley and the other updated kids represent the one fault in the script. They have lost the innocent sweetness and likeability of the original. Their language is coarse and they often have some rough edges that seem out of place in this movie. In spite of this one misstep, Fright Night delivers some truly unexpected shocks, situations we have not seen before, and a terrific low gore but none-the-less scary style. This is a must-see for Roanoke horror fans and non-fans alike.
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