I saw the original Fright Night for the first time not too long before seeing this remake. I enjoyed the original enough to not dislike it, but it’s a product of its time and seeing it 26 years after it first hit theaters without any prior attachment makes it feel incredibly dated. I would assume 26 years from now people will be saying the same thing about 2011’s Fright Night as it too is a product of its time. Post converted into 3D, plenty of CG and another film forwarding the recent vampire craze, but pushing all that to the side, the one thing that will have anyone talking about this remake 26 years from now is the fact that it’s not only a product of its time, but more importantly it’s also quite fun.
Screenwriter Marti Noxon brings her experience writing teleplays for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” to bring Tom Holland’s story of the ’80s into the “twenty-tens”. The story hasn’t changed much from the original, with a few tweaks here and there, and for the most part I’d say the story benefits as a result and there certainly isn’t any delay in getting to the heart of the matter.
We’re immediately introduced to Anton Yelchin (Star Trek) as Las Vegas high school student Charlie Brewster. He’s recently seen his status rise at school since he started dating the lovely Amy (Imogen Poots), but as a result he’s turned his back on his childhood friend Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). However, daily high school ups and downs are soon to be the least of their problems when Charlie’s new neighbor, Jerry (Colin Farrell), moves in next door.
To be blunt about it, Jerry is a vampire and his status as one isn’t hidden for long as Ed and a friend have followed news reports regarding missing persons back to Jerry. However, Jerry isn’t oblivious to any kind of snooping, which puts Ed, Charlie and everyone they know in danger.
For anyone that’s seen the original film you already recognize the story, but have also probably noticed a few of the differences. What you won’t get from the story’s description, however, is how this film is far more serious in tone compared to the original. This latest installment definitely has laughs, but they are more real world laughs rather than B-movie laughs, most of them coming from David Tennant, who’s known and loved by most as the star of BBC’s “Doctor Who”.
Tennant plays Peter Vincent, a Las Vegas showman in the same vein as illusionist Criss Angel. Peter has a massive interest in all things mythological, not to forget a love for absinthe, and soon Charlie has no choice but to seek his help. Along with Tennant, an unsuspected surprise comes in the form of Peter’s assistant Ginger played by Sandra Vergara (sister to Sofia Vergara), who’s take no B.S. attitude gives the film yet another breath of fresh air.
Shot in 2D and converted to 3D in post, Fright Night isn’t layered with exceptional visual moments that pop out at you, but there are a few times it managed to impress me such as one vampire death due to sunlight and a car escape marking the best moment in the film, even if the 3D made the fact it was shot on a green screen stage incredibly obvious.
Otherwise, kudos for casting Colin Farrell as the vampire next door, he’s great as the often laid-back antagonist, just waiting for you to invite him in. I also enjoyed the throwback to the poster art from the original film as Jerry’s transformation into a vampire almost mirrors the vampire from that art exactly. It was a nice nod to the original and is just one more example of how the two films separate themselves as the ’85 version did it with practical effects and this time around it was digitally rendered.
For the most part Fright Night works as a satisfying night out at the theater. It won’t blow your socks off, but you’ll be satisfactorily entertained. The cast is well assembled and director Craig Gillespie manages the story well. I enjoyed the changes and certainly prefer this remake to the original as it darkens the mood a bit, but still doesn’t forget to make the audience laugh a little. If you’re even the slightest bit interested in seeing this movie I would suggest giving it a shot.
SIDE NOTE: While the 3D isn’t bad and at some points is even good, there are several moments where a layer of fog from a smoke machine muddles the picture, playing tricks with your eyes. I would personally advise seeing it in 2D instead of 3D for this reason alone.
