Fright Night (1985) My Next Door Neighbor Is A Blood Sucking Creep! June 16, 2024 08:00
Charley Brewster, a horror film aficionado, suspects that his neighbor is a vampire. While his family and friends believe it's just his obsession with the Fright Night films hosted by actor and vampire hunter Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall), Charley has valid reasons for his suspicions. He notices multiple women entering the neighbor's house late at night and never leaving. He witnesses his neighbor loading what appears to be a body into their car and then hears about a similar body being discovered the next day. When Charley tries to go to the police, he inadvertently reveals his suspicions to his neighbor, Jerry Dandrige, making himself a potential target.
Despite his doubts, Charley turns to the only person he knows who might be able to help: Peter Vincent. However, Vincent, like everyone else, thinks Charley is delusional and has his own issues to deal with after recently being fired from his show. When Dandrige shows up at his house and Charley narrowly escapes, he goes into survival mode. In a desperate attempt to prove to Charley that his neighbor is not a vampire, his girlfriend and best friend pay Vincent to come over. The plan seems to work until Vincent notices that Dandrige has no reflection, leading him to fear that his on-screen persona might not be make-believe after all. Charley now fears for his safety more than ever, but the only one who can help them is terrified of the truth.
Fright Night, a masterpiece of the '80s horror genre, remains a beloved and influential film to this day. From the talented mind of Tom Holland, known for writing Psycho II and Child's Play, this film stands as his greatest achievement, according to the public. The film's relatable simplicity and consistently gripping plot allow it to stand out among other horror films of its time. It skillfully maintains an air of mystery and tension without relying on cliches, while still incorporating moments of humor to prevent it from becoming too dark.
While the film has some minor issues towards the end, such as a vampire suddenly gaining the ability to turn into a werewolf and another transforming into a beautiful woman with long luscious red locks of hair within a short time-frame, these are minor details that can be overlooked for the overall enjoyment of the movie.
Overall, Fright Night is the perfect starting point for fans of '80s horror films looking for a true classic. Featuring a talented cast of familiar faces, this movie successfully captures the essence of classic horror while keeping the story simple yet effective.