Fright Night (1985) Review

Written by: MacheteMassacre   

The first time I saw Fright Night, I was in seventh grade and it was late.  Even back then, this movie had some sort of charm over me.  Fast forward years later and I still love this film.  I love the campy teen drama and the odd, quirky characters and the violence.  It's almost comic book like.

Fright Night is writer Tom Holland's, in my opinion, his best besides Child's play.  Chris Sarandon plays Jerry Dandridge, the vampire next door to Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale).  One night, Charlie sees Jerry drink a victim's blood and tries to expose him, only nobody believes him.  Jerry begins to get close to his friends (one of which is his girlfriend Amy, Amanda Bearce) and his mother, moving into Charley's life, warning him.  Only Charley recruits the help of TV horror show host Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall).  Together the two set out to destroy Dandridge and rescue Amy.

The actors due a great job in my opinion.  William Ragsdale plays a paranoid and scared Charley convincingly and Roddy McDowall plays the perfect egomanical failing star.  Stephen Geoffreys, whom plays Charley's friend 'Evil' Ed comes off as extremeley kooky and weird.  I feel that is a side plot that could have been further explored as we are led to believe Evil is somewhat of an outcast.  Chris Sarandon is charming, yet terrifying as the vampire.

The special effects were well done.  We get to see someone melt in a gory manner and it looks damn good.  And let's not forget the transformation scene!  Werewolf to boy, it's no Stan Winston or Rick Baker job, but it's damn impressive.

Overall, I'd say that Fright Night is a very enjoyable film you can curl up on the couch with your snacks and watch at any time (but we prefer night).  If you have not seen this movie, do it.  You may not love it, but you'll definately enjoy it and have a bloody good time as well.