Last night I walked in the theater with low expectations. I went to see the new remake of A Nightmare On Elm Street. I, as many people, was somewhat upset they had replaced the original Freddy Kreuger (Robert Englund) with some new guy (Jackie Earle Haley). Not that I have anything at all against Jackie Earle Haley. I rather enjoyed his performance in Watchmen. I just thought nobody can replace the original Freddy. But have I ever been more wrong! Would I say the remake is a better movie? No, because nothing can replace what you grow up on. But was it a good movie? Definitely!
The best advice I have is when watching this movie, don't try to compare it to the original. Yes, there are some similarities, but there are also some differences. This combination makes for an excellent recreation. If you get so caught up trying to critique it based on the old version, you will miss the good things the new movie has to offer. Just think of it as brand new.
I wasn't able to make it until the 12:35am movie. I was afraid of falling asleep. I've been known to do that at the late movies before. But there was no way that would happen in this movie. It has been a long time since I actually jumped at a horror movie. I hate to admit it but this one got me several times and kept me on the edge of my seat. They did a good job of keeping the audience wondering and unaware. You would think the characters were wide awake, going about their daily business and BAM! There's FREDDY!! I wouldn't be expecting what would happen at all. Also, many people were afraid with the new technology the dreams would be taken to an extreme, not seeming as realistic, and take away from the 'scare'. Not the case. This seemed just as realistic as the 1984 version. If not more.
All in all as a movie I give this 4 out of 5 stars. It wasn't perfect but few movies are, however, it did exceed my expectations coming in. I was completely shocked when leaving the theater. Of the recent horror film remakes this is definately rated #1 in my book. This is certainly a movie I will be adding to my collection, once released on DVD, and I can't wait.
