Fright Night (2011) // Fright Night (1985)
directed by Craig Gillespie // directed by Tom Holland
Rated R for Bloody Horror Violence, Cussin, and such // Rated R for Violence/Gore, Cussin, Fright
For fans of vampires, Anton Yelchin, and ‘neighbor obsession’ type movies ala Rear Window // For fans of vampires, Chris Sarandon, and 80s horror with sick gore and incredible music
My rating: Watch Em Both! – I originally called this rating ‘Reboot’ but I wanted something catchier, so this is what we are rolling with. We live in a time in which too many films are remakes or franchise pieces, but I think horror is often successful in efforts to reimagine what came before, so I’m going to recommend many remakes of films in which I find both versions to be worth a watch.
Some thoughts: Fright Night (1985) is damn near sacred in our household. My wife introduced it to me early in our relationship because she really loved the film, but also because she really loved the original song “Fright Night” by the J Geils band. Listen to that shit and you’ll agree. Fright Night (2011) does not have a banger like this, but it does capture the spirit of the original film while adapting it to a more modern tone. The story of the film follows Charley Brewster, a teenager who suspects his insanely suave neighbor of being a vampire.
The original film definitely has an 80s vibe, but that is rarely to the film’s detriment. Both the soundtrack and score in the film are incredible. Jerry, the vampire, has a theme that matches the sexuality and danger of Chris Sarandon’s performance.
The remake does an incredible casting for Jerry with Colin Farrell. He brings his own swagger to the character and a deeper menace appropriate for the 2010s era. Speaking of casting, the character of Peter Vincent, a late night horror host and star originally played by Roddy McDowall, gets updated to a Criss Angel-esque performer played by David Tennant. The motherfuckin’ Doctor himself. Oh and McLovin is also in this movie.
I truly do love both films and I hope you make your next movie night a double feature.