Wednesday 13 April 2011

Fright Night remake: First pictures!

Colin Farrell in Fright Night (2011)

The first pictures of the Fright Night remake have finally emerged, as well as definite release dates for the US (19th of August) and the UK (2nd of September). Fright Night is an 80's horror classic, about a teenager who discovers that his charming next door neighbour is in fact, a vampire! Helped by his campy best friend and a washed up actor who hosts a local TV horror show, Fright Night, he goes on a mission to destroy the undead.


Anton Yelchin & Colin Farrell in Fright Night (2011)

This film truly holds a special place in my heart. Among the largely forgettable horror films that came out in the decade, this one managed to find a the right balance between scares and laughs, helped with a witty script and a great cast. Among by the numbers slashers, Fright Night brought some life back into the vampire myth and delivered and fun yet more grown up movie. Watching it again, the 80's patina (the neon lights, the gloriously 80's score...) makes it even more enjoyable. A disappointing sequel came out three years later and then that was the end of the franchise.

The original iconic poster


So it should have been no surprise when a remake was announced. Yet what sets this remake apart from all the terrible ones that have polluted our screens lately, is the cast. The underrated Colin Farrell as the vampire next door, Anton Yelchin as Charlie, Toni Collette as Charlie's mom, David Tennant as Peter Vincent... A great quality cast you certainly do not expect for your average cheap horror remake, which makes me hope that director Craig Gillespie takes the original material seriously enough. Himself as a director is an interesting choice, being best known for indie oddity Lars and the real girl.

Anton Yelchin

And now the first pictures have been released. Colin Farrell looks like he is hamming it up a little, which is right for the role, the same way as Chris Sarandon did in the original film, a mixture of campy old school charm and more modern suavity. Anton Yelchin looks geekier than the original Charlie, more in tune with today's modern audience. Christopher Mintz-Plasse will have his work cut out to replace the hilarious "Evil" Ed from the original (Stephen Geoffreys, who became a gay porn star in the 90's!). As for David Tennant, as Peter Vincent, I'm not sure what's going on with this picture below, this seems like a real departure from the original part made famous by the late Roddy McDowall. The Doctor Who timelord looks like a mix between a Las Vegas magician and a Rob Zombie video extra.
David Tennant in Fright Night (2011)
Fright Night will be released in 3D, and I just cannot wait for this! I have enclosed the original film's trailer for our viewing pleasure!

UPDATE: Read my posts about the first trailer then second trailer




1 comment:

  1. I don't know about this one. I'll watch it because I am a die hard Fright Night fan, but there really is no replacing Roddy McDowell. The trailer has just been released, and while I am willing to give it the benefit of the doubt, I don't hold high hopes.

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