Fright Night is silly, cheesy, and fun. You kind of have to go into the film knowing that to really enjoy it. It is a horror-comedy or hor-com (I think that one might stick). As long as you are willing to embrace it on its own terms, it is an entertaining movie.
The film is based on the 1985 film of the same name. And there is some continuity between the two films. Peter Vincent, the boy who discovers the vampire-next-door in the original, reappears in the new incarnation as a vampire themed Vegas showman (think Criss Angel). The plot is pretty straight forward, vampire-next-door is coming after you and everyone you love and no one believes you.
The film kind of straddles a fine line between a good time and a bad movie. It just so happens that I like bad movies– you know the kind that are so bad they are good; movies you can openly laugh at. Fright Night never takes itself seriously. In fact, at every turn it openly mocks itself. When Jerry (Colin Farrell) gets shot several times with silver bullets, he feigns pain before extracting the bullets, smirking and reminding his attacker that silver bullets only work on Werewolves.
The film really sends up each aspect of the genre smartly; it is able to stave off being silly, unfunny, over-the-top, and playing to the lowest imaginable denominator. There are the obligatory jokes about Twilight. We get some jokes about the housing bubble bursting and the modern-day ghost towns left in its wake. Some pretty nifty stuff is done with horror films in general. Plus, we get some sweet send-ups of 3D films. Over all, it is pretty witty and clever.
David Tennant is great as Vincent. He carries himself with a hint of seriousness which makes the character believable, but is still pretty punchy in his comedic elements. A particularly well done series is when he literally sheds his stage persona. As he removes each element, he reveals the insecure, drunken, nerd behind the facade. The transition is terrific.
Colin Farrell drips with a sultry cheesiness as Jerry. He is not your modern-day brooding vampire (more Lestat than Edward). He has no qualms with being a vampire; he savors it. Kind of like a vampire Honey Badger; he takes what he wants. He lives the ultimate bachelor life where he either is chasing after ladies (victims) or siting in his living room with one chair and a giant TV (Haus has found a new role model). He is equal parts sex symbol and evil bad boy (there may be little difference for some).
I was not really impressed with Anton Yelchin (Charley) in the lead role. I thought he was pretty flat and his performance was rather underwhelming. The romance with Amy (Imogen Poots) had very little chemistry. I just thought he was a bit of a throwaway, just the vehicle for the other performers to playoff of.
Fright Night does provide some solid supporting performances. Christoper Mintz-Plasse is pretty sweet as Charley’s friend Eddie (the first person to notice the vampire menace). I also liked the short appearance by Lisa Loeb (but this is largely the 90’s nerd in me).
In the end, Fright Night is a good time. The story and performances are strong enough to keep your attention, and the send-ups are pretty witty. No need to rush out and see it; but, if you’re in the mood, this is a good call.
PARSI VERDICT: A sleek horror-comedy that is witty enough to draw you along.
See what the other half thinks: Haus’s view.
1 thought on “Fright Night [Review by Parsi]”
Comments are closed.