Fright Night (1985) Review
Written by: BlackTequilaKiss
"It's FRIGHT Night!!", oh be still my aching heart. This is one of my all time favourite horror movies and will always remain so. Yes it is corny, yes it's cliche but it is so much fun! At an hour and 42, the moments fly by as do the bats!
There's never going to be enough space to declare my love for this movie so damn it! I will try utmost to explain in as short a space as possible. This movie ROCKS!!
What's it about? The story mainly revolves around a young teenager by the name of Charley Brewster who becomes convinced his next door neighbour is a Vampire. There endeth the plot. Just kidding! From that point on he spends a large amount of time trying to convince his girlfriend Amy Peterson, his mother, other friend Evil Ed and star of Fright Night, Peter Vincent that he's telling the truth. But all to no avail. Until Vincent realises he is telling the truth through the help of a mirror. Cue Jerry Dandrige, his neighbour, setting out to destroy him through any means possible.
Cheesy 80's music, fashion and the obvious cliches it's down to the wonderful perfomances and excellent director that this movie is still so good and in keeping with the tone of horror.
William Ragsdale as Charley, the tormented teenager who knows he's right, is brilliant in his role. Funny but ultimately alone in his quest to prove Dandrige is a vampire. It's to his credit he can play so many emotions and still hold us in with his acting. Then there's Roddy McDowall as Peter Vincent, star of Fright Night. He's a very adept actor who proves he is as funny as he is serious. And he commanded each scene he was in.
Nonetheless the acting honour goes to Chris Sarandon for his portrayal of Jerry Dandrige, the Vampire neighbour. Sexy, edgy and intense he is beautiful in his role. At no point does he go OTT but sticks true to his character. Your eyes stuck on him in every scene he is in.
The storyline is simple enough and aids everything else. The fact you know everything straight away just allows you to grow to love the characters and for that it deserves a round of applause.
SPECIAL FX/ GORE: Surpirsingly given this was done back back before special effects made their true mark, the effects of the vampires were done to great effect. I love how this is old school and they use the latex etc we grew up loving so. Gore whilst there was not much there were little nods and when done, it was done perfectly.
My Final Verdict -- This is just a brilliant film, the cliches, 80's soundtrack just add to the element. The characters are loveable and you do give them the benefit of the doubt. And of the course the ending. A little nod of a sequel it is a absolute blast from beginning to end. If you haven't see this, go and buy/ rent it now. You won't regret it, then again I would say that given how much I love this film! But seriously watch it!
Fantastic little gem from the 80's era, my utmost respect to director, Frank Holland (Child's Play & 3 times a director on Tales From The Crypt) who provides a hilarious, dark playground into the world of Vampires. Have fun and enjoy a real Fright Night!