Fright Night, starring Anton Yelchin and Colin Farrell ~ Punch Drunk Critics

Here's the thing: I was scared to death of Fright Night when it came out back in 1985. I was eight years old, and admittedly it looked just terrifying enough to ward me off until I was late in my teens. Then I saw it and while I didn't love it, it was clear why people had such an adoration of it. A bunch of memorable, off-kilter performances, particularly by Chris Sarandon as the vampire hiding in a suburban town. The vibe was a mix of horror and comedy, with a tone that is pure Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But did it deserve a remake after all these years? Instinct told me no. Cult favorites are the hardest films to reproduce. Craig Gillespie(Lars and the Real Girl) had the unenviable task of bringing Fright Night back after 26 years, and not only was it a success, but it might be the surprise film of the summer.

Marti Noxon, who helped pen the adventures of Buffy and her loyal Scooby Gang, brings her dark wit and sly inside genre jokes to this far superior Fright Night. The story is mostly in lock step with the original, but infused with enough modern turns to keep it fresh. Anton Yelchin is Charlie Brewster, a regular guy who wants to be popular in high school like everybody else. He's got it made, living in a suburb of Las Vegas with his mom(Toni Collette). He's got a smokin' hot girlfriend, Amy(Imogen Poots), and all seems perfect. That is until Jerry(Colin Farrell), a way too cool and charming guy with a curious animal magnetism moves into town. Charlie's mom, and likely half the neighborhood soccer moms, are instantly smitten

Ignoring the warnings of his nerdy best friend "Evil" Ed(Christopher Mint-Plasse), Charlie is totally unaware of Jerry's true nature. When neighbors and students start disappearing, it isn't long before Charlie realizes that Jerry is actually a vampire hiding in plain sight. Not a fan of being watched, Jerry marks Charlie's family for death, leading to a deadly game of cat and mouse that is both horrifying and disturbingly funny. Seeking help from Peter Vincent(David Tennant), a make-up wearing Criss Angel knock-off who fancies himself a vampire hunter, Charlie does his best Van Helsing impression by gathering every crossbow, vial of holy water, and garlic clove he can find.

Gillespie and Noxon have a clear love of the source material, but clearly weren't afraid to mess around with the pieces just a little bit. The original was campy to a fault, and I always felt like Tom Holland's direction lacked focus. Gillespie isn't a filmmaker who has ever done much for me, but he's tapped into an energy he's never presented before. This Fright Night is considerably bloodier than before, with so much of the red stuff you'll be begging for a shower. But it also finds bigger laughs in the most unexpected of places. A lot of this comes from the normal, everyday routine of Jerry's life. A vampire watching The Real Housewives? Priceless.

Inspired casting adds a layer of authenticity that had previously been missing. Anton Yelchin, while a little too relaxed for my taste, is solid as the former geek forced to man up and protect his loved ones. David Tennant, who most will recognize as Dr. Who, gives a performance best described as part P.T. Barnum, part Russell Brand. Toni Collete and Imogen Poots are clearly having as much fun as everybody else, even if they don't have nearly as much to do but be damsels in distress.

This is truly Colin Farrell's film, though. I like the way his career has turned lately, no longer struggling to be the typical leading man. He's content with memorable, meaty supporting roles that allow him the opportunity to flash different aspects of his personality. As Jerry, he slinks around corners like a snake and always seems coiled to attack, even when performing the most mundane of tasks. He always seems to have the scent of blood in his nostrils, and flaunts his power with a maniacal ego. When in the midst of a bloodlust, Jerry is an unnatural horror, and I wouldn't be surprised if you jump a time or two. This is a scary flick! You'll laugh and cower in fear at the same time. Do yourself a favor and spend the extra cash for 3-D so you can be treated to all the flying fangs and blood spurts you'll heart desires.

The original Fright Night spawned a horrible sequel a few years later, one of those rare films that's famous for how everybody ignored it. While I don't expect a sequel here, Gillespie and Noxon have brought us one of the most enjoyable horror comedies in years. Good thing I'm not a scared wuss anymore.