Review of Fright Night (1985) by Tyler L — 31 Dec 2009

A classic vampire story set in a small town during the mid 80's, sounds drab, but this isn't an ordinary horror film, It's Fright Night! Charley Brewster(William Ragsdale) is a teenager who loves horror movies and enjoys watching his favorite show "Fright Night" hosted by legendary vampire slayer of the movies, Peter Vincent, "The Great Vampire Killer"(played by wonderfully by one of late great treasures of Hollywood, Roddy McDowall). Charley is also in love with his girlfriend, Amy(Amanda Bearse) and is friends with an even more passionate horror fan and strange guy named Ed Thompson, known as "Evil" Ed(Stephen Geoffreys). Everything seems to be going right for Charley, until a new mysterious neighbor moves into the neighborhood. Jerry Dandridge(Chris Sarandon) is charming, good looking and has a dark secret........one that Charley knows all about after being nosy one night. Charley tries to tell everyone he cares about, but no one believes him. Then when he and his friends are threatened, he turns to his hero, Peter Vincent, who isn't exactly what he is in the movies.

This is a fun film for those who love comedy and horror. Chris Sarandon is what you envision as a vampire and has a great performance. Equally great if not better is the performance of Roddy McDowall as Peter Vincent. McDowall, one of the few child actors that escaped a hard down fall, took on a role in his mid 50's that opened the eyes of a new generation of movie goers and new generation of fans(like myself). To accompany the good performances is the amazing 80's soundtrack of great music that made the 80's awesome.

Overall, Very entertaining! Fun film! 4/5.