Fright Night

[number8]

I'm trying to ignore this movie, but:

http://i1.cdnds.net/11/26/550w_movies_fright_night_poste r_tennant.jpg

[Henry Gale]

Well a couple of those amongst us have already seen this, and they seemed mildly enthused about it at best. But yeah, for Tennant, Yelchin and Farrell (as well as Imogen Poot's general loveliness), I'm still somewhat looking forward to watching it at some point.

[Kiusagi]

Yeah, I saw a test screening. I liked it, I thought it was solid entertainment. I haven't seen the original, so I don't know how it compares.

Several people stayed after to discuss the movie and mostly everyone agreed that David Tennant was awesome. Only a couple of people seemed to know who he is.

[Irish]

Is Tennant wearing eyeliner in the pic? The pose and the makeup are giving me a distinct Russell Brand vibe. :cry:

[number8]

Is Tennant wearing eyeliner in the pic? The pose and the makeup are giving me a distinct Russell Brand vibe. :cry:

His character is a Criss Angel-inspired Vegas magician.

[Dukefrukem]

That's a bad poster. But the first trailer I saw looked good. I'm gonna see it having just watched the original.

[Raiders]

Several people stayed after to discuss the movie and mostly everyone agreed that David Tennant was awesome. Only a couple of people seemed to know who he is.

And my guess would be they know him as Barty Crouch, not the Doctor.

The cast alone has to make this one better than the original.

[number8]

And my guess would be they know him as Barty Crouch, not the Doctor.

The idea of someone not familiar with Doctor Who remembering him in that is funny to me, since his appearance in Goblet of Fire basically amounts to a cameo.

[Raiders]

The idea of someone not familiar with Doctor Who remembering him in that is funny to me, since his appearance in Goblet of Fire basically amounts to a cameo.

I mentioned that specifically because it was the reaction my wife had.

[number8]

I mentioned that specifically because it was the reaction my wife had.

Try this joke on her: "Yo mama so fat, the Sorting Hat put her in all four houses!"

[Fezzik]

Try this joke on her: "Yo mama so fat, the Sorting Hat put her in all four houses!"

Not to derail, but my favorite one is "You mama so fat, the Sorting House assigned her to the International House of Pancakes."

But yes, I really want to see this. The original is a campy favorite of my local writing group-o-friends, and this has Tennant, so its a no brainer.

We're probably going to see this en masse.

[Irish]

His character is a Criss Angel-inspired Vegas magician.

:lol: Yah, it's pretty obvious which character he's playing. But thanks.

[number8]

Not to derail, but my favorite one is "You mama so fat, the Sorting House assigned her to the International House of Pancakes."

I think the one I said is a little wittier, but the one that made me laugh the most is probably "Yo mama so fat, her patronus is a cake."

[MadMan]

The original is entertaining and a good movie, sure, but its not a great one and is really cheesy at times. I saw the trailer for this on the big screen when I went to see Hangover II, and I liked what I saw. The audience though made fun of it for the most part, so I guess I was alone in thinking it looked good.

The cast though is a really good selling point. I'm not sure how a semi-serious take on what was previously part camp part teenage scarefest is going to work in the modern era, but I'm optimistic.

[number8]

Hmm! Some reviews I read actually makes this sound very interesting and makes me want to see it.

Apparently there's a legitimate reason for why they sexed everything up compared to the original, and I kinda like the reasoning (the movie being a commentary on modern male masculinity instead of a love letter to Hammer horror). That sounds really weirdly out of place, but at least it's trying to do something other than copy the original.

It seems to borrow a lot from True Blood (vampirism as metaphor for a social issue, retractable fangs as substitutes for erections).

[Henry Gale]

I had a lot of fun with this. The cast is great, the action is really well thought out and intense but never overly serious, the new Vegas setting gives the movie just the sort of look and atmosphere that it needs to distinguish itself from both Holland's original film and most current horror movies, but I can only imagine that it could have been even better had it been timed to come out during a less sunny and blockbuster-demanding movie season than right about now. This could probably go down as a Halloween-time favourite for me over time, but now it won't even be out on DVD soon enough to make that a reality this year either.

Having recently watched the original, I found myself fairly confused as to how it secured its reputation as such a critical and cult favourite. McDowell and Sarandon are really strong and make a lot of it better than it should be, and the same goes for Tennant and Farrell here, but whereas the rest of the cast in this 2011 version is comprised of other actors that seem equally capable and game for the genre and tone-bending material, the original just didn't have the same level of life in its players for me to enjoy it nearly as much. A lot of people may find the film feels dated in terms of how much of an '80s film it seems comfortable in being, whether it's the over-the-top synth and guitar heavy score to look of the effects and creature make-up, but honestly, that was the stuff that I got the most enjoyment out of, maybe because it's now so much more unique and genuine in its spirit of the era it was made, whereas the rest of it doesn't feel as specific or interesting. And despite its basic premise and odd moments being inspired, the rest of the 1985 film just feels really bloated and stilted to me, leaving little reason or way to buy into the characters or the often unbelievable turns in the story (even for one about vampires and other monsters).

This new one however, does a great job of shuffling and restructuring many of the major plot points from the original from very early on and even reworks many of those questionable details that allow them to happen. Whether it's changing the locations of certain setpieces, adding fresh subtext to the different relationships, or even the way it alters how some characters get turned or killed, the script just generally makes much more believable and compelling choices, especially in justifying certain characters' actions, something I feel the original didn't do very well at all.

But enough about the differences between the two, this movie is just an absorbing, tightly plotted and breezy horror flick that isn't afraid to be goofy when it needs to, while still giving itself enough range to have weight otherwise. And honestly, if the character names were changed and certain specifics were altered, this maybe wouldn't even have to be called Fright Night at all. In my mind, the '85 movie didn't work overall but ultimately had enough good ideas in it to warrant a modern day re-do that I'd actually see. So now I'm glad that it has a new version that finds itself in the rare category of remakes that aren't only good, but even better than the original.

A strong ***

[Kiusagi]

Saw this again. No differences that I noticed between the screening and the final version, except for the score.

So yeah, my opinion hasn't changed. It's still a fun movie with a great cast. I haven't seen Lars and the Real Girl (plan on changing that soon), but I really liked Gillespie's direction. The atmosphere just worked so well for me. Looking forward to what he does with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

[Dukefrukem]

BEST REMAKE EVER.

Just got out so I might be a little excited but yeh. This movie is great. Oh and best remake ever is JC's The Thing

[eternity]

That was a whole lot better than I thought it was going to be.

Definitely catch it in 3D before it leaves.

[Dukefrukem]

That was a whole lot better than I thought it was going to be.

Definitely catch it in 3D before it leaves.

I saw it in 3d and didnt think it was anything special. There were a few neat scenes like the finale and the paint can through the window, but what about the 3d did you think stood out?

[eternity]

I saw it in 3d and didnt think it was anything special. There were a few neat scenes like the finale and the paint can through the window, but what about the 3d did you think stood out?
The much-hyped Children of Men-like sequence looked great. I'm a sucker for any and all live-action 3D that doesn't look like shit.

[megladon8]

Dug this a lot. And man, even though she's like, the very definition of "not my type", Imogen Poots is freaking gorgeous.


CGI sucked, though. A little distracting at times.

[transmogrifier]

Better than you'd think, mostly because the story beats are unexpected - i.e. there's not too much time wasted on the reveal, or catching up supporting characters on what's happening. Farrell has a blast in the type of role he is good at; he's a bore when he tries to play decent and upstanding (Minority Report, The Recruit) but knows how to be a charismatic letch better than most.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Farrell's "Hey guy" cracks me up.

[megladon8]

Yeah, Farrell was great. Definitely seemed to have a lot of fun with this.

DaMU - I really liked how he constantly seemed to be trying to talk to Yelchin in a way to "relate" to him.

"You could really do me a solid"

:lol:

[megladon8]

OK here's a "problem" I have had with this movie both times I viewed it.

The scene after Jerry gets the beers and threatens Charley. Charley goes upstairs to find Amy on his bed, wanting to have sex.

Charley blows her off because he's too busy snooping on Jerry.

THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN.

I don't care if you're convinced that your next door neighbour is Batman and you have this one chance to get real evidence of him driving the Batmobile into his underground lair...you (a horny-as-hell 17-or-so guy) with a girlfriend who looks like THAT:

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/8995/imogenpootsentershideon.jpg

...who is on your bed, right now, begging you to slip her the ol' one-eyed serpent for the first time, are NOT going to turn that down.

It. Would. Not. Happen.

[Dukefrukem]

Yeh she's hot, but I think they were just trying to pay homage to the original scene.

[number8]

I wish I can remember where I read it, but I mentioned earlier in the thread that I read a review that talks about the movie as a commentary on modern male masculinity, and I believe that scene is specifically mentioned as an example.

[megladon8]

I wish I can remember where I read it, but I mentioned earlier in the thread that I read a review that talks about the movie as a commentary on modern male masculinity, and I believe that scene is specifically mentioned as an example.


I'd be interested in reading that, because as it stands, I find it to be a frustratingly unbelievable scene.

[Rowland]

I don't know, just because you can't contemplate the notion of a guy not being in the mood at any given time, let alone that moment in the film, to bang a chick you find so hot, doesn't mean it's unbelievable in context. If I were him, I may be too shaken by the previous scene to just strip my clothes off and have sex, especially considering that he's still a virgin, and besides, isn't some of the film's coming-of-age subtext about the first time being the right time? He earns that first fuck at the end of the film.

[Rowland]

I wish I can remember where I read it, but I mentioned earlier in the thread that I read a review that talks about the movie as a commentary on modern male masculinity, and I believe that scene is specifically mentioned as an example.This perhaps? (http://cinepinion.blogspot.com/search?q=fright+night) It's one of the better reviews I've read on the film.

[megladon8]

I don't know, just because you can't contemplate the notion of a guy not being in the mood at any given time, let alone that moment in the film, to bang a chick you find so hot, doesn't mean it's unbelievable in context. If I were him, I may be too shaken by the previous scene to just strip my clothes off and have sex, especially considering that he's still a virgin, and besides, isn't some of the film's coming-of-age subtext about the first time being the right time? He earns that first fuck at the end of the film.


Errr...some of this seemed a little volatile. Did something I say offend you?

At any rate, I never said I'm "in the mood at any given time", and I can certainly understand that one would be shaken after being threatened by their mass-murdering vampire neighbour.

I just thought this particular situation, with a young guy at an age which is generally the height of sexual obsession and curiosity, having a beautiful girlfriend who wants him. I find it hard to accept that he would be more keen on spying on his neighbour than having sex with the school hot-girl.

Teenage guys do think about having sex a whole heck of a lot.

[Skitch]

I totally get what you're saying, Meg, I just thought that the revelation of there actually existing something as terrifying as a really real vampire (and one that keeps making enuendo towards your girl and mom) may scare the horny out of even a teenager. Maybe. :)

[Rowland]

Errr...some of this seemed a little volatile. Did something I say offend you?Not at all, just felt like you may have been letting your self-projection get in the way of the scene's context.


At any rate, I never said I'm "in the mood at any given time"I didn't say that either, what I was referring to was the suggestion that you couldn't contemplate any given context where a horny teenager wouldn't have gotten down with her, even citing the existence of Batman as your neighbor as an example.


I find it hard to accept that he would be more keen on spying on his neighbour than having sex with the school hot-girl..Sure, but after your vampire neighbor has just a few minutes beforehand directly questioned your manhood, and forebodingly insinuated that he's ready to "pluck" (his word) both your girlfriend and mother if you aren't up to the task of looking after them, you may have greater concerns on your mind than sex, no matter how admittedly inviting. :)

[Dead & Messed Up]

Farrell would've killed my boner.

[Mr. Pink]

You have to realize, Meg, that the kid was probably pretty pissed off about the situation, too, but you saw the way he worried about not dying first, and then sex. He knew what he was doing.

It would have been pretty funny though, to see him blow off the vampire thing and get to that later, after a quickie.

[Lasse]

Yeah, this was pretty fun, although I wouldn't have minded it if they had taken this a bit less seriously. I thought the campy/silly bits were the best.

Enjoyable none the less. Colin Ferrell looks like he's having so much fun.

[MadMan]

For the record, if you get completely sucked dry by a vampire or the vampire snaps your neck, you'll be dead and thus unable to have sex with that really hot female next door neighbor. Just a thought.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Holy shit this was a good time. Funny, tense, and skirted expectations on more than one occasion. Seriously impressive work.

[transmogrifier]

Yes. It was the skirting of expectations that did it for me.

[Boner M]

Gonna watch this tonight then.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Yes. It was the skirting of expectations that did it for me.

Couldn't agree more with your comment about the "No one believes me" segment that litters nearly every film in this particular category. I was dreading that moment, and was really pleased when it skipped right over that.

[Henry Gale]

I've actually watched this a few times now, and it really holds up on each viewing. Just a smart and brisk little movie.

I still think it should have done a lot better at the box office / whatever home video numbers exists these days. But I just don't know if the studio promoted it very well at all, since I still have friends go, "Wait, which movie is that again?", then they watch it and really enjoy it.


Couldn't agree more with your comment about the "No one believes me" segment that litters nearly every film in this particular category. I was dreading that moment, and was really pleased when it skipped right over that.

This was my biggest problem with the original when I watched it for the first time last year. It feels like almost two thirds of the movie spends its time on people annoyingly doubting Charlie despite everything going on. In the new one, they work through the whole thing in about 45 seconds.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Glad people are enjoying it. It's surprisingly good and refreshing in a number of ways, CG-excessive finale notwithstanding.

[Rowland]

Holy shit this was a good time. Funny, tense, and skirted expectations on more than one occasion. Seriously impressive work.Indeed. It's a shame this bombed so miserably last year, hopefully it will continue to find its audience on video.

It's a remake that is significantly superior to the original too, which is always a pleasant break from the norm.

[Boner M]

/Scary Movie/ (Wayans, 2000) D+
Yeah a recent rewatch was like, 'fuck, what was I thinking at 15'.

[Skitch]

Couldn't agree more with your comment about the "No one believes me" segment that litters nearly every film in this particular category. I was dreading that moment, and was really pleased when it skipped right over that.

That was one of the first things I said to. I love how he handled that. Just, don't even bother. They'll see. :lol:

[Boner M]

Fun times. Nothing earth-shattering, but pretty much hits its every mark.

Kinda thought the narrative's treatment of McLovin was a little mean-spirited, but it was fun seeing him as a FedEx vampire.

Imogen Poots deserves a sexier name.

[transmogrifier]

You chose wisely. I liked what happened to McLovin; I was expecting another of those sacrifices himself for his one time friend type deals, but they followed through and made him a full-on douche.

[Boner M]

Guess I'm just not really down with the anti-nerd sentiment, especially since Charley's integration into the douchebag circle via fraudulence seemed kinda celebrated by the film. But whatevs, just a minor quibble.

[Pop Trash]

YOU GUYS! The Fright Night remake is JUST AS GOOD AS CHINATOWN!

:|

[Boner M]

:|
Fortunately I rate films based on personal enjoyment/engagement/resonance rather than some approximation of what I see as their 'objective' merit.

[Pop Trash]

Fortunately I rate films based on personal enjoyment/engagement/resonance rather than some approximation of what I see as their 'objective' merit.

I enjoyed it more-or-less. I still think Sarandon is the superior vampire.

[transmogrifier]

Chinatown, while not bad, is one of the most overrated films out there.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Well that's enough wrongness for one day and it's only 11:15 in the morning.

[transmogrifier]

See, you know a film's overrated when you can't even say its "Not bad" without someone getting all hot and bothered :)

[Spaceman Spiff]

I was more objecty towards the "most overrated movie" bit.

Quick Change is shit! - Spaceman Spiff

[transmogrifier]

I was more objecty towards the "most overrated movie" bit.

Quick Change is shit! - Spaceman Spiff

Bill Murray in clown make-up will continue to just look at you with distain.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Woody Allen in a Russian imperial uniform from the Napoleonic wars is reacting to your taste in things.

[transmogrifier]

Looks orgasmic. Figures.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Looks orgasmic. Figures.

:)

I can assure you that that is not Woody's o-face.

http://www.lowdensitylifestyle.com/media/uploads/2010/03/m-not-going1.jpg

[EvilShoe]

I'm pretty much just repeating what everyone else's been saying, but yeah, this one is unexpectedly good. Farrell's great in this ("hey, guy") and the whole thing moves at a steady pace.

I don't think the Ed-thing worked entirely, but that's nitpicking. As said before by others: no main character having to explain to others he's not crazy, no hiding the fact that Farrell is the villain. And most surprisingly: no final scare at the end.

Most fun movie I've seen in a while.

[Irish]

Liked this a great deal. In a lot of ways, it's better than the original.

The entire sequence where the kid goes to rescue the "go go dancer" was amazing. Nicely tense, especially as the girl raises a finger to her lips in a Shhhh gesture as she's getting bitten.

The real icing on the cake though, is that he gets her out of the house, I'm just about to breathe a sigh of relief and BOOM! she explodes into ash. Jaw dropped.

But: The third act sucked. The second someone mentions that magic stake which can "reverse" the effects of getting bitten, the picture crashed for me. The existence of such a thing means that most of what happened in the film has zero consequence, so all the drama is removed. Fucking terrible choice.