Fright Night (2011) vs Fright Night (1985)

[Mr. Scot]

For those that have seen both, how do you think they stack up against each other as far as actors, plot, atmosphere, etc?

Edge in effects would likely go to the newer version easily so I don't know if that's worth including.

[Sapper]

I loved the first Fright Night (soundtrack easily wins over the 2) and made the mistake of watching the 2nd one in 3D which was way too dark with the glasses.

Acting in the remake was better though IMO. Overall though (being a big horror fan) I thought the 2nd stacked up.

[Jangler]

I have seen both. Yeah, I think I saw the remake...yeah I did.

[Mr. Scot]

Have to say I was amused that they brought Chris Sarandon into the new film just to have Colin Farrell kill him :lol:

[j2sgam]

The cameo was awesome.. I really liked the original, but havent seen it in 20 years. The revamp was decent, nothing wrong with it, I was entertained...

[Inimicus]

I loved the original. One of my all time favorite movies.

That said I thought the second one was different enough that comparisons of the two were like trying to compare Tim Burton's Batman to Chris Nolan's Batman.

I very much enjoyed the new Fright Night and was quite pleased to see Mr Sarandon make an appearance.

Even though I would put the first one higher on my all time favorites list, its mainly for nostalgic reasons. The second one is a better movie I think when judged by the metrics you list.

[XClown1986]

Love the original Fright Night. The remake had its moments but ultimately ended up like the Friday the 13th remake, almost too modern and lacked a good flowing story. Lots of flash, but nothing that sticks with you.

Also I hated the way they handled Evil Ed's character in the remake. He is easily the most interesting and sympathetic character in the original film and could have been so in the remake but the film got lazy. *Spoilers* I hated that Charlie just killed Ed, like flat out staked the guy knowing that he could turn him back like everyone else. Instead he burned his friend again (after ditching him to be more popular) without much of a sense of remorse. Made the Charlie character less likeable in my opinion, because unlike the original film, he isn't a true dynamic character. I did like the new take on Jerry Dandridge (Colin Farrell is surprising me with his range lately with Horrible Bosses and now this).

All in all I am biased. The original kicks ass, even if some of the acting is kind of cheesy. The remake is good for a once over, but not multiple viewings in my opinion.

[Mr. Scot]

I think I actually like the new one better overall.

The leads look way more like actual teenagers than the original did.

Colin Farrell's subtle creepiness is a better take than the original characterization.

Evil Ed looks more like a real kid rather than a cartoon character.

The ending is way more badass in this one.

And, much as I like Roddy McDowall, I actually think David (Doctor Who) Tennant's constant F-bomb dropping Peter Vincent was a better character than McDowall's.