What if you found out that right next door to you was something that was not human? This is the horrific case in the 1980's cult classic Fright Night; however, this is more than just any Horror film. Very similar to Scream in the mid 1990's, Fright Night, has a very powerful comic touch to it as we are given a rather funny and scary commentary on the Horror genre, specifically vampire films. With a very impressive cast of lovable characters and one liners along with some even more impressive special effects, Fright Night is one night that will entertain, amuse, and frighten all together.
The story for the film is quite simple. High schooler, Charlie Brewster, is an average 80's Horror movie nerd with a special place in his heart for vampire films starring the classic "vampire killer," Peter Vincent. Meanwhile, Charlie is dealing with teenage issues in terms of his intimacy with his loving girlfriend, Amy, along with trying to pass High School trigonometry. Meanwhile, Charlie also shows himself as the average 80's High schooler in that he seems to be part of a clichéd friend trio - Amy, himself, and the hilarious "Evil" Ed. However, Charlie's normal life takes a swift turn to the horrific as a mysterious new neighbor moves in right next door. We come to find out that this neighbor is the suave and debonair Jerry Dandridge - played excellently by Chris Sarandon. Jerry has a gruesome secret. Behind his seductive appearance, he is a vicious vampire who isn't afraid to raise some hell in the neighborhood by killing anyone who threatens him. Charlie, of course, finds out and thus seeks the help of the famous Peter Vincent, and from then on it is up to these two to save the neighborhood from this creature of the night.
This is, of course, a very short summary of this masterpiece because many sudden obstacles come between Charlie and stopping Jerry. Jerry is on a whole new level of vampire in this decade defined by mostly slasher films. He is conniving, brutal, and malicious in his attacks on Charlie and those he cares about. One particular scene in a night club near the film's climax proves this monster's brutal capabilities. Meanwhile, we are given comic relief especially in the brilliant "Evil" Ed, who is filled with one-liners and cocky phrases that just make you wanna bust out laughing at times. Meanwhile, Amy plays the damsel in distress who doesn't believe Charlie about the existence about vampires until it's too late. Finally, Charlie is the clear hero followed by his awesome British partner, Peter Vincent - who is portrayed as a modern day mock of Van Helsing by Roddy McDowell.
Overall, this is definitely one of the greatest vampire films, as well as one of the most impressive Horror films ever made not just because of its social commentary and comedy, but also because of its Horror elements. This has to be noted as a film with some absolutely amazing effects, especially in makeup. Jerry Dandrige's transformation into a vicious vampire is terrifying because he completely changes into a pure blood thirsty animal with some of the most frightening fangs ever. Meanwhile, he is also developed true to the original vampire mythos as he is able to change into a bat, fog, and even a wolf. The original vampire weaknesses also apply; however, Jerry is a very good villain in that he will not go out with a brutal fight.
When discussing the effects, one cannot ignore some of the gory effects as well. The film, though not incredibly bloody, has some very interesting gory moments. Some of which seem very reminiscent to The Evil Dead. The cinematography also is fantastic as we are given shots that are very eerie as well as disorienting. Furthermore, I have to say, without spoilers, that this film has one of the most awesome endings in terms of effects in a vampire movie. It really ends with an awesome bang.
Another thing to take into account with this film is that it doesn't take itself seriously and plays with that brilliantly. It plays on the fact that some Horror involves cheesy qualities; however, the film utilizes these cheesy qualities to its advantage because it makes it stand out, like Scream would 11 years later. The film commentates on the loss of acknowledgment that even some of the most classic horror films, though cheesy, were in fact better than the focus and popularity of slashing maniacs hacking up young virgins. The film cleverly criticizes this love of slasher films by giving us the anti slasher film focused entirely on the classic supernatural horror of vampires and the world beyond the grave. Moreover, in the end we are given one of the best Horror films of all time that would develop fast cult classic status. Meanwhile, the film would spawn the reemergence of even more impressive vampire films, such as 1987's amazing film, The Lost Boys. In conclusion, Fright Night is definitely a night to be remembered again and again and again.
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