Everything you need to know about Fright Night
Published: 23 August, 2011
CINEMA-goers better watch out this summer as Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin and David Tennant team up to teach us what every horror buff already knows: you can’t run from evil when it’s living next door.
Fright Night, the new 3D remake of the cult 80s classic, sees popular kid Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) becoming suspicious of his new neighbour Jerry (Colin Farrell) after a spate of ‘missing persons’ events in his area.
And it’s no small wonder, as we soon find out the charming but sinister Jerry is a vampire. With the baddie intent on getting his teeth into Charley’s loved ones, it’s up to this leading man to try defeat him, with the help of ‘vampire expert’ Peter (David Tennant). With everyone convinced that Jerry is such a nice, normal guy (including Charley’s mum, girlfriend and best mate) will he be able to stop him in time?
Set in Las Vegas, where the best people only come out at night, Fright Night boasts impressive attention to detail. All props were designed and hand-built by prop designer Ben Lowney, who inscribed a secret message on one of the crucifixes used in the battle against Jerry. So if anyone speaks Ancient Greek or Latin, pause the film during the stake scenes and see if you can decipher it!
And when it comes to stunts, the Fright Night movie has more than enough to keep you glued, but don’t expect the cast members to have done any prep for it. Leading man Anton revealed at San Diego Comic Con that he did very little physical preparation for his action scenes, but judging by his physic, they still managed to whip him into shape.
For those who really hate the idea of a horror movie (and even we got a little jittery whilst watching the trailer) you’ll be relieved to know there’s more than a few comedic moments to lighten the atmosphere. Anton plays on the excellent comic timing that brought him international attention in Star Trek, and even Jerry has his own menacing sense of humour.
As a remake, Fright Night has the benefit of an enthusiastic cast, many of whom were huge fans of the original. Farrell has revealed that he’s seen the 1985 version twelve times already, but still manages to bring his own unique spin to the character of Jerry.
Fans of the original will also be treated to a variety of plot twists and other tweaks that give Fright Night 2011 its own unique personality. Original cast member Chris Sarandon has even given it his seal of approval, calling it “wonderfully sexual and creepy”.
So if you’re looking for the ideal horror movie this summer, or perhaps just hoping for an evening of Colin Farrell’s rugged good looks, Fright Night is the perfect film for you. Be warned, don’t go and see it with your next-door neighbour.