Thursday, April 29, 2010

A Nightmare on Elm St -- Review

If asked to describe the man of your dreams, what would you say?  Would you call him "dreamy" or any other cliche term? Although this particular man has been known by many since the '80s to be associated with dreams, I bet only a few if any would think of him in this context.  In fact, Freddy would probably be the last person you'd name, however after this weekend he will be the one man in everyone's dreams.

From the opening scene and straight through to the end credits A Nightmare on Elm Street will have you jumping out of your seat.  The cast of young, up and coming actors will surprise you in the classic horror roles.  With Thomas Dekker (FOX's Sarah Connor Chronicles) as Jesse, Rooney Mara as Nancy, Kyle Gallner (Jennifer's Body and HBO's Big Love) as Quentin, and a very brief appearance of Kellan Lutz (Twilight) as Dean.  As is to be expected, you are only given just enough time you get to recognize these young actors in one of their first major role in a horror flick before Krueger comes calling their name.  Their deaths will give you chills and leave you with your mouth hanging open.

From the gruesome deaths to the creative visual effects used to transport the characters from reality to dream, this film is full of images that will make any horror fan grin from ear to ear.  With classic scenes included from the kids jumping rope, the micro-nap in the bathtub (which will give you a few chuckles due to the camera shot), and a familiar death scene, this remake is worthy of the Nightmare name.  It includes all the concepts that make the original so horrifying, but updated the presentation to appeal to today's audiences. It truly plays homage to the classic in a horrifyingly respectful fashion, only taking things to a much darker and more serious level than the campiness of the original.  This remake lets you see the black heart that is "Freddy".

As a fan of Wes Craven's 1984 classic I had my doubts of yet another remake, but Samuel Bayer's visions for Nightmare left me with nightmares of my own.  For me, the secret is all about Freddy.  Aside from my love of Jackie Earle Haley and his past roles as Rorschach in Watchmen and Guerrero in FOX's Human Target, I could not have pictured anyone else pulling off the nightmarish role better.  It could simply be that I can picture him going all rogue and badass, or the fact that he has a look that could scare the crap out of someone with just one look, or simply his own little touch of Krueger-ness that he adds to the character.  After watching this film you will not be able to bare hearing the sound of scissors or other sharp cutting tools without feeling the need to look over your shoulder to see if Krueger is coming for you.  These bladed fingers are certainly not as friendly as those of Edward Scissorhands'.

A Nightmare on Elm Street brings today's film-goers and the children of the 70s together as we will all be begging someone to wake us from our nightmares after seeing this film.  Samuel Bayer gives us a breath taking horror flick both visually and emotionally.  The nightmare sequences are as real on screen as they play in your own mind, and the clicking of his bladed fingers will leave you screaming for your life.   Jackie Earle Haley's portrayal of Krueger will grab you and hold on for dear life.  There is no escaping his grasp, and that final moment, just when you think it is safe to fall back asleep, beware!

If you are looking for a thrilling film to go see this weekend I would highly recommend A Nightmare on Elm Street.  This film will entertain and scare everyone in the theater, and it's fun to catch a flick that has such a strong following with iconic characters like Krueger and Nancy that continue to bring fans of the series back together with the release of new version.  I can only hope that the franchise will continue to be re-imagined as I would love to see just how dark this Krueger really is.  I give Nightmare a 4.5 out of 5. 

1, 2 Freddy's coming for you
3, 4 better lock your door
5, 6 grab your crucifix
7, 8 gotta stay up late
9, 10 never sleep again


2010 Trailer

1984 Trailer

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