Review of Let Me In (2010) by Wmgardner — 19 Jan 2012

While not truly original (as it is a remake of a Swedish film), it is VERY good in its own right. I have seen both movies (actually, I own both movies) but I think this version does a better job with the story. The two stars are much more talented and the overall supporting cast of this version is a little stronger. This claim has not been made lightly nor am I bigoted against foreign language films (I own many). Here are a few specific examples of why I think Matt Reeve's version is better:

-The "police detective" storyline made more sense than the "drinking buddy" storyline and you have more empathy for the cop than the abusive drunk. -The final apartment scenes are written much better in this version. You know how the boy got there, how she is found, and what brought "the outsider" in made more sense. -While the emotional connection with the "father" was not written quite as well (but still very good) in the apartment scenes, this version does a better job conveying the mutual love and sacrifice through the hospital scene. -The way the "father's role" was conveyed in this version was much better. Showing the planning and success of the first hunt was critical in the acceptance of this character.

To each his own I suppose but I do not casually dismiss a film because the idea has been done before, especially if it is done better.