Based on the 1985 film of the same name, Dreamworks and Touchstone Pictures brings us the 2011 remake of FRIGHT NIGHT. Boasting an impressive cast of actors, this remake has long been dreaded by most fans of the original film (those of us that are old enough to remember when it came out at the movies) and highly anticipated by fans of the genre.
This time around, the film is set in the Las Vegas suburbs and while the trailer gives a lot away, it seems like the changes that have been brought to the remake aren’t neccessarily a bad thing. Written by Marti Noxon, one of the writers of the tv show Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and apart from all the modernist revisions, it looks like she has written a faithful adaptation.
Peter Vincent (David Tennant) is now a Las Vegas Magician, kind of like Chris Angel, all flash and no substance. In the original, fans will remember the brilliant portrayal of fading Hollywood B-list star and late night tv horror host Peter Vincent as played by Roddy McDowell. While it’s understandable that the filmmakers have tried to bring the character into the 21st century (I mean, who’s heard of a late night tv horror host in this day and age?), it is lamentable that the self-refferential wink of the original isn’t with us this time around.
Playing the vampire-next door Jerry Dandridge this time is Colin Farrell and Anton Yelchin plays Charlie Brewster. Two great casting choices especially so that Colin Farrell will bring sex appeal and a menace to the role and Yelchin actually looks like he could still be in high school. Supported by the likes of Toni Collette and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, this is one remake that looks like it will at least put the fangs back into the mouths of the vampire movie after being de-fanged for the last few years.
FRIGHT NIGHT (in 3D) hits Australian screens on the 18th of August.
