Fright Night Directed by: Craig Gillespie Starring: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Christopher Mintz-Plasse Rating: R Release Date: August 19, 2011
TRAILER SCORE: 6/10
Thoughts by TSR: I love 1985’s Fright Night and I’ve seen it a number of times. Nevertheless, I’m not necessarily crying foul at Craig Gillespie's remake.
Gillespie made one of my favorite films of 2007 (Lars and the Real Girl), so I’m interested in anything he’s directing. Combine that with this cast and I’d say there is some reason for optimism. I like Anton Yelchin and I’m excited for his performance as snarky high school student turned vampire hunter Charley Brewster. Colin Farrell as the vampire next door looks quite menacing, which is a nice change of pace from many other recent vampires.
Then there’s McLovin as Charley’s best friend Evil Ed. Being as Evil Ed was one of my favorite aspects of the original, I’m curious to see how Christopher Mintz-Plasse does in the role. Not much of him is shown so the jury is still out. However, I’m not offended by his presence, and at this point that’s enough for me. Unfortunately David Tennant, who plays Peter Vincent, pops up only for a split second. In the original Vincent was an aging vampire hunter/TV show host. Here he’s revamped into a Criss Angel-type magician. That’s a significant change, so it’s disappointing that this trailer hides him.
My biggest worry comes at the end. It’s not really because of footage (though the motorcycle through the car window struck me as more silly than scary). No, it’s the RealD 3D logo that pops up under the title. I see no reason why this needs 3D, or even how presenting it in the format can be a good idea. With much of the action happening at night, the darkening effect of 3D may be cause for concern.
Some people have said the trailer gives off a Disturbia vibe, and it’s hard to argue with that. The thing that gives me hope is the R-rating, so with any luck it won’t hold much back. By hiding Peter Vincent and Evil Ed, the trailer sells a film that is more action thriller than horror comedy. If the action is indeed ramped up, I just hope they can maintain the comedy that was part of what made the original so entertaining. Hopefully the film will provide some good laughs and scares, proving itself be a worthy remake of the highly entertaining original.