"If like me you have fond memories of Tom Holland’s Fright Night, the idea of a Hollywood remake might disturb you. Unlike most horror remakes, the 1985 version (which spawned a less than stellar sequel) won’t be familiar to everyone, but perhaps that’s a welcome sign that Hollywood is running out of old material to exploit. More troublesome perhaps is the fact that it was shot with 3D in mind, but a top-notch cast is on hand to wash away the pain. Colin Farrell takes on the role of head vampire, joined by the likes of Anton Yelchin (likeable), Toni Collette (reliable), Imogen Poots (too pretty), David Tennant (channelling Jack Sparrow with a sprinkling of Russell Brand) and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (channelling Christopher Mintz-Plasse).
A few subtle differences have been made to bring it up to date, but for the most part it sticks to the same horror comedy formula as the original. Jerry Dandridge is the mysterious stranger next door, with Charlie Brewster and his friend suspecting him of being a “Dracula”. Don’t worry though, an L.A. magician/vampire-slayer is on hand to end his evil reign of terror - it plays like The Burbs crossed with The Lost Boys.
With a screenplay by Marti Noxon (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame) you’ll be pleased to learn that it mostly works. Farrell and Tennant seem to be having a great time, as does Mintz-Plasse, positively relishing the part of ex best friend “Evil” Ed Lee. Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl) crafts some deliriously entertaining set pieces, and horror fanatics will relish the fact that they don’t skimp on the gore either. Farrell - with this and Horrible Bosses- should definitely do more comedy, and Fright Night takes flight thanks in large to a strong cast and plentiful shocks and guffaws.
The effects are distracting at times (but the 3D is tolerable) and it doesn’t have the heart of the original, but for all my doubt Fright Night 2011 is definitely worth sinking your teeth into." AW
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