Review of Fright Night (2011) by Anthony K — 12 Nov 2013

I'll admit, my expectations for this one were pretty low. With it being Halloween, I figured not watching a horror movie would be frowned upon by some unseen force. So through some twist of fate or another "Fright Night" found its way onto my computer. And I'll be the first to say it, it was pretty damn good.

Now you have to understand that "good" to me doesn't mean "good" in any sort of classical sense. I enjoy "bad" movies (or as I like to call them, qualitatively challenged) as much or sometimes better than the Oscar winners or festival darlings. And somehow, the 2011 update of "Fright Night" has just enough of both worlds for a fun, well-acted, pulpy thrill ride.

Let's start with the good. The script here is phenomenal. Not only does it update the vampire myth in a way that doesn't resort to sparkling or Mormon life lessons, but it pokes just enough fun at the genre to be clever without looking like a prick (I'm looking at you, "Scream"). The characters, especially the pivotal high schoolers are also living people with motivating interactions, goals and - and this is where a lot of movies get it wrong - believable dialogue. They behave like teens in a way that even the likes of "Superbad" or "American Pie" fail to capture. Maybe this is just me and my low expectations talking, but this fact alone drew me in.

Secondly, the performances are first rate, especially those of Anton Yelchin as high school senior Charley Brewster, Colin Farrell as Jerry the vampire, and David Tennant as a Chris Angel parody/vampire hunter. All three ooze with theatrical chutzpah in a way that only B-movie actors can and I like to think that this is exactly the point. "Fright Night" isn't a horror classic; it's a B-movie complete with corny one-liners, an overabundance of blood and pop-out-to-get-you 3D. It's funny, terrifying, sexy and bad all while sending the audience an occasional wink.

Do yourself a favor and add this movie to your Halloween roster for next year. I'm already thanking the unseen deity that brought it to my desktop in the first place.