I really thought I’d watched this film already. It turns out I may have watched the second one a long time ago, but I apparently never saw the original Fright Night. I am planning on also watching the Anton Yelchin remake this month, but I thought starting with the original made sense. Fright Night earned the Not Quite Golden, Ponyboy rating and is a vampire film I really enjoyed.
Fright Night is a vampire movie that finally worked for me.
Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale) sees the new neighbor moving in and notices a coffin being brought to the basement. After a few murders occur in the town, Charley is convinced his new neighbor, Jerry Dandrige (Chris Sarandon) is a vampire. He looks to the police and his friends for help, but everyone thinks he is crazy. He sets out to prove he’s sane and that Jerry is dangerous.
Fright Night is written and directed by Tom Holland. This movie’s take on the vampire film really worked for me. It took itself serious and stayed true to the genre for the most part. However, it integrated humor with Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall) and Evil Ed (Stephen Geoffreys). Even Sarandon hams up some of the scenes in a way that works with his character. Even with the humor there is enough to make this a horror movie. Sarandon is menacing and there are some great practical effects in the film.
Why this movie worked for me…
I was really happy finally seeing a vampire movie I liked this month. The relationship Charley has with Amy Peterson (Amanda Bearse) was really reminiscent of the 80s. He was in to her, but was also easily distracted by the idea of the vampire. His neglect of her and her feelings is a constant problem and ultimately leads to the final confrontation with Jerry Dandridge. Her repeated pain from his neglect leads her to make a questionable choice later in the film. It may have also been the vampire’s ability to entrance his victim, but it seems likely a combination.
The house of Jerry Dandrige is also extremely cool looking. It gets more ominous as the film goes on with fog practically pouring out of it. There was a lot of cool production elements including Peter Vincent’s TV show in the film, also titled Fright Night. He plays a vampire hunter in the show and is why Charley seeks his assistance.
Fright Night really worked as a film for me. It had an interesting story, solid performances, and stayed true to vampire mythology. I love how confidant Jerry Dandrige is in the film. Everything just moves at a pace that kept me engaged. It’s definitely one I recommend if you like a little comedy with your horror movie.
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