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There have been the famous on-screen serial killers like Michael Meyers (Halloween) and Jason (Friday the 13th), but then came the five-finger-bladed Freddy Krueger. Burned to death by the local townsfolk, now tormenting and killing the offspring in the neighborhood -- in their dreams. This time, however it isn’t a dream, it is a living nightmare that is real.
1n 1984 the original Nightmare on Elm Street was released, and in doing so, it was noted to be one of the most talked about horror films of its time. It was unique and cutting edge (pun intended). With the collaboration of Creator/Director Wes Craven, and actor Robert Englund, a.k.a. Freddy Krueger, they developed a sort of “Nightmare” franchise of the 90s.
None of the NoES sequels can compare to the original. So why remake it? Why fix something that isn’t broken? Perhaps for a new audience, new generation. The issue with a remake is that you now have something to compare it to, as opposed to just another genre film -- this can make it or break it. From the trailers, the remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street looked as if it was going to be an exact replica of the original. Instead, Samuel Bayer’s version created a closer look into the connection of high school teenagers who happen to be “dying in their sleep” in gruesome fashion.
As the disturbing truth is revealed, not only do you find out who Freddy Krueger was, but also what he was and what he did to these kids. While there were quite a few instances of "borrowing" from the original, it was a pleasure to see a bit of a departure from the source material, as the director/screenwriters (Samuel Bayer, Wesley Strick and Eric Heisserer) took it upon themselves to devise newer ways to dispose of the characters.
Jackie Earle Haley was brilliant as the character Rorschach in The Watchmen, and indeed Oscar-worthy as Ronnie J. McGorbey in Little Children. When it comes to playing Freddy Krueger, the creepiness and the slithering psychopathic undertones were definitely unmistakable, but nothing can hold a candle to the menacing, brooding characteristic of Robert Englund’s personification from the original.
Nancy Holbrook (Rooney Mara) happens to hold a special place in dear Freddy’s scalded heart. Her sympathetic nature of a girl “who doesn’t fit in”, drawing gothic pictures as a child, carries the film just enough to keep us interested, and is strengthened by the sweet-natured Quentin Smith (Kyle Gallner), to fight Freddy Krueger once and for all.
The suspense factor was high, with the added bonus of minimal gore but maximum outcome. Equally impressive was the relative lack of excessive CGI -- especially during the nightmare scenes -- which seems to be a hallmark of movies today. In addition, don’t expect to see any gratuitous sex scenes, or just someone with their shirt off (sorry Kellan Lutz fans)!
A Nightmare on Elm Street will no doubt attract fans of the Twilight series (Kellan Lutz), Melrose Place (Katie Cassidy), Gossip Girl, and Vampire Diaries to name a few. Die-hard fans of the Nightmare franchise, and horror-flick fans alike, may have mixed feelings. Does it have the shock factor? Will it make you squirm or jump in your seat? Is it entertaining? Oh yeah. Will it give you nightmares? Probably not. Do you want nightmares? Go rent the original.
This film is rated R for strong bloody horror violence, disturbing images, terror and language.
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