Review of Let the Right One In (2008) by Keng — 11 Nov 2008

Because of the glowing reviews, the hype, and the fact that I liked the premise, this is one of those movies that I went to expecting, and wanting to like. And it is one of those movies that I spent a lot of time trying to convince myself that I was enjoying it.

But at some point, (past the midway point), I finally gave up, and admitted this movie wasn't really working for me. From a narrative point of view, this story is a little too meandering. It definatively could have been tighter.

I also left the theater thinking this story had been told from the wrong p.o.v. I would have preferred the story had been told from the girl's/vampire's point of view, than from the young boy's.

It would have given us a better feel for her character. As it was I think her character was really kind of underwritten, and she almost comes off more as a plot devise, than as a real character. I understand the desire in a movie like tjhis is to have the vampire comes off as "mysterious", but you should be able to capture that with good, nuanced writing, rather than short-changing the character with the writing.

I also keep reading that this is a great horror movie. But this isn't the least bit scary, nor suspenseful. What it really is, is an offbeat love story between 12 year-old children, dressed-up as a vampire story.

And there is nothing wrong with that idea. All-in-all, this isn't a bad movie. It just isn't nearly as good as it has been made out to be.