Review of A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) by Maineutral R — 29 Nov 2013

The hype for this movie was my main problem with A Nightmare On Elm Street. Let's put it this way: there are movies that you think are not that bad (in my case, movies like Hancock, Hook, etc.), and there could be also some movies that you think are not that great...that's my opinion here on this "classic terrifying" movie: I don't think is that great.

It has great performances, amazing special effects that easly beats today's CG crap and a very creative premise that exploits its potential...yet the result is not scary or terrifying. I barely felt haunted or creepied, and there was little to no tension building up to anything. Also, the beginning is very sporadic, so is the ending; it's like it feels forced or rushed and not quite the best to introduce you or get you out of this movie's "mood". Also, many find Freddy scary, but I think he's like a pre-Tim Curry as IT: it doesn't scare, it causes big laughs at their attitudes. I mean, God, Freddy's a riot: he's more hilarious than threatening.

But the execution of the overall idea is greatly done and directed, so ultimately I can understand why this is considered a classic even if I didn't gravitate towards it. I'm glad I saw this...i just don't think it's great.

UPDATE: After watching ALL of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies (including New Nightmare and Freddy vs Jason), I can now understand why this is a great movie: it's the best of the series. I still have problems with this movie, but now is my favorite from the series, so calm your skepticism.