In 1984 Wes Craven released the first in a series of horror movies that would undoubtedly stand alone. A new concept that made it unique from other slasher flicks and a unmistakable personality that would make the iconic killer legendary.

A Nightmare on Elm Street would spawn numerous sequels and launch the careers of Johnny Depp, Patricia Arquette, Lawrence Fishburne and Robert Englund. The popularity of Freddy Krueger would make him a cultural icon and a staple of the 1980’s trends.

As the sequels came rolling out the film series seemed to have lost it’s edge. Freddy Krueger seemed to shift from evil psychopath to comedian and pitchman.

Regardless the series developed a loyal fanbase that still exists today. It’s popularity and dedicated fans rival Friday the 13th. Both series would stand atop the slasher flicks (Halloween is in there too).

In 2009 (as I previously posted) Platinum Dunes & producer Michael Bay would embark on yet another remake in the horror genre, Friday the 13th. This remake was different because of the aforementioned dedicated following. The film did well in the box office and was met with overall decent reviews from the dedicated Jason fans. This would pave the way for the next reboot, A Nightmare On Elm Street.

At first I was a bit hesitant to stand up and applaud Platinum Dunes remake – READ MY BLOG POST FROM LAST YEAR

On Friday I saw the movie.

Firstly I was impressed with the new Freddy. Jackie Earle Haley made it his own and introduced everyone to a darker more sinister Freddy. No more stand up comedy routine, no pitches. He only said a few lines that made you laugh. Pure genius in my opinion.

Here, this gives you an idea of how much darker he is:

I liked the storyline and the overall ideas introduced by the filmmakers. I’ve read other reviews where some have questioned the decision to make Freddy a child molester (how Wes Craven originally wrote him to be) as opposed to being a child killer (his M.O the entire series) with the explanation that it made Freddy less “likeable”. Seriously give me a break. Not only is that assessment stupid it really had minimal effect on the film for me personally.

For the length of the movie they left the question of “what did Freddy do to these kids” open to interpretation. Yes they dropped hints but I feel they did so in both directions.

The movie dragged a bit towards the end and the ending battle seemed to be a little weak.

My only problems with the movie was the placement and extent of the background story. I think it should have opened the movie (after the first kill scene) and I think it should have incorporated the making of the glove.

Overall the performance of Haley as Krueger steals the show. He adds new characteristics to Krueger (the scissors movement with the glove) that make him darker and more “scary”.

I also like how his face isn’t 100% visible throughout the movie (until the very very end). I love that and it adds to the effect.

They also added some key elements from the first film. I thought Kris’ death scene (Tina’s in the original) was a must. It’s brutal and really adds a paranormal aspect to the film. I love how they added the bathtub scene as well. It all worked without looking forced.

Kudos for not showing a death scene with the dog either. Nothing disturbs me in a horror flick other than a dog death scene. I don’t know why but it really bothers me (I can’t watch I Am Legend ever again) and I try to avoid those movies. I like how the dog was just dead, no sounds, nothing. It worked and I appreciate it.

To summarize the movie is pretty good and delivers some great stuff for an hour and a half. Do I think some things should have been different? Of course, but no movie is perfect.

In the past year I have seen two overall success reboots by Platinum Dunes. Both of which were my all time favorite movie series. For me, they delivered. Hell, I NEVER go to the theatre and these 2 flicks got me out!!

I’d suggest going to see it, it’s worth 10 bucks. I’d be interested to hear a point of view from someone who hasn’t seen the original. Is this Freddy scary? Does this movie stand out?

Let me know!

And to answer the question I posed in my original blog post…This Nightmare wasn’t a bad dream at all…it was a great reminder of what a nightmare truly is!