Fright Night

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Growing up in the 1980s, “Fright Night” was one of the many movies that captivated me as a budding film enthusiast. I remember re-watching it numerous times during my adolescence, and though I never got to see it on the big screen back then, I finally had that chance last night at the 2025 El Dorado Film Festival. The festival celebrated its 40th anniversary by screening “Fright Night”, a horror classic that continues to hold a special place in my heart.

The movie “Fright Night,” which introduced Tom Holland as a director, has grown into an enduring cult favorite over time. It continues to impress its audience, maintaining its appeal through a charming blend of horror and comedy. In 1985, one of the appeals of “Fright Night” was its affectionate nod to classic horror tropes that it celebrated. For fans watching it now, this appreciation is reciprocated, as we can still appreciate it for the same reasons it paid homage to the movies it revered.

Charley Brewster, aged 17 and residing in a typical suburban setting, enjoys a comfortable life with his loving mother (Dorothy Fielding) and cherished girlfriend named Amy (Amanda Bearse), whom he’s smitten with. Apart from Amy, the only thing that captivates him as much is the late-night horror TV program, Fright Night, which features Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall), a legendary and fictional vampire hunter, as its host.

The film picks up speed when a mysterious character, Jerry Dandrige, moves into the spooky house near Charley, portrayed with chilling charm by Chris Sarandon. Over the ensuing days, Charley becomes increasingly curious about the odd occurrences at Dandrige’s residence, eventually uncovering a startling revelation: his neighbor is a vampire.

In simpler terms, both Amy and her mother swiftly reject his idea as absurd. He then contacts the police who look into it but discover no evidence to support his statements and inadvertently annoys Dandrige along the way. Exhausting all possibilities, a resolute Charley turns to his idol, Peter Vincent, for assistance. The disappointing ratings have left the disheartened television host considering abandoning his role as a vampire hunter. However, Charley’s relentless pursuit (and some financial support from friends) eventually convinces Peter to humor him, despite his initial reluctance.

In this horror film, it doesn’t take long for us to realize that Charlie’s suspicions about Dandrige are correct. However, what makes this movie enjoyable is watching Charlie try to convince Peter, and their subsequent team-up to defeat the “monster of the night”. The dynamic between Ragsdale and McDowall is fantastic, offering a blend of dramatic intensity and comedic relief. As Holland puts it, “Charley Brewster was the driving force, but Peter Vincent was the soul.” I concur, and both characters are essential to each other. Moreover, they wouldn’t be as effective without the lively performances of Ragsdale and McDowall.

A significant portion (around $9 million) of the movie’s budget was allocated towards creating stunning special effects, which are evidently noticeable. The renowned Richard Edlund, an Academy Award winner, headed a skilled group of visual effects experts and makeup artists who employed a diverse set of techniques before the digital era, such as optical photography, matte paintings, furniture dollies, contact lenses, facial prosthetics, and body suits. This collaboration resulted in a remarkable example of practical effects that still stands out from the past.

In terms of notable vampire films, I strongly feel that “Fright Night” is often overlooked as a timeless masterpiece. This horror movie remains relevant even today. It’s supported by an engaging cast of characters, a light-hearted yet thrilling narrative, some exquisite gory elements, and a generous helping of humor. Throughout the film, Holland enjoys exploring the vampire genre, incorporating familiar tropes that many of us are familiar with due to their widespread popularity.

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2025-02-27 18:56