Fright Night (2011)

MacGuffin · May 11, 2010, 01:37:30 PM

Colin Farrell, Toni Collette sink teeth into 'Fright Night' (exclusive)
Source: Hollywood Reporter

Colin Farrell will sink his teeth into "Fright Night," DreamWorks' remake of the cult 1985 film that also will see Toni Collette play a mom who falls under his spell.

The two join Anton Yelchin in the new version, which sticks to the original concept of a teen (Yelchin) being convinced that his new neighbor is a vampire, though no one will believe him.

Farrell has the plum role of the vampire, named Jerry, who on the surface appears to be a cool guy but is really preying on the neighborhood. Chris Sarandon played the role in the 1985 pic.

Collette is Yelchin's mom, who at first disapproves of the new arrival but changes her attitude when she meets the magnetic man and -- surprise -- doesn't believe her son when he tries to tell her Jerry is a vampire.

Michael De Luca and Alison R. Rosenzweig are producing "Fright," which Craig Gillespie is directing. Lloyd Ivan Miller, Michael Gaeta and Josh Bratman are executive producing.

The movie will be released through Disney.

"Fright" represents Farrell's first significant studio work since New Line's 2008 release "Pride and Glory" and 2006's "Miami Vice." After such movies as "Vice" and the big-budget disappointment "Alexander," Farrell retrenched to the indie world, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of an assassin in the thriller "In Bruges" and appearing in last year's "Crazy Heart."

Farrell, repped by CAA, recently wrapped a starring turn in "London Boulevard," the directorial debut of Oscar-winning writer William Monahan.

After starting in film, Collette is now best known for starring in "United States of Tara," which DreamWorks Television produces for Showtime. The WME-repped actress won an Emmy last year for playing the title character.

Stefen · May 12, 2010, 02:38:53 AM

Both films are a lot of fun. I always thought part II was underrated. Jon Gries plays a better werewolf in it than he did in Monster Squad.

modage · May 12, 2010, 09:08:48 AM

Quote from: Stefen on May 12, 2010, 02:38:53 AM
Both films are a lot of fun. I always thought part II was underrated. Jon Gries plays a better werewolf in it than he did in Monster Squad.

No way!

MacGuffin · May 14, 2011, 02:50:59 PM

Trailer

Release Date: August 19th, 2011 (wide)

Starring: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Toni Collette, David Tennant, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Directed by: Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl)

Premise: A teenager is convinced his new neighbor is a vampire.

Mr. Merrill Lehrl · May 14, 2011, 03:49:10 PM

I'm well-prepared to blame the director for the mediocrity of this movie, though also quite willing to be surprised.

Craig Gillespie struck me, in Lars and the Real Girl, and strikes me in this trailer, as an effective manufacturer of concept movies who may lack the deeper traits necessary to elevate his material to high levels of art, entertainment, or intimacy. I prefer risk takers, with horror movies as with all movies.

Reel · May 14, 2011, 10:07:45 PM

I'm really for this getting re-made. The first one was so cheesy. I mean for 1985 the make up effects and stuff were cool, but the acting and story were god awful.

RegularKarate · May 18, 2011, 03:03:17 PM

Quote from: Reelist on May 14, 2011, 10:07:45 PM
I'm really for this getting re-made. The first one was so cheesy. I mean for 1985 the make up effects and stuff were cool, but the acting and story were god awful.

No fucking way. The original is exactly what it's supposed to be. So good.

The trailer for the remake gives everything away while leaving out two major factors. Are they trying to convince us this isn't kind of a comedy?

Reel · June 28, 2011, 12:32:52 PM

this one has better actors, special effects, it's shot better, it better be written better cuz it doesn't take much to improve on the original. It just looks better. With that said, I'll probably still hate it since somewhere along the lines the story is still as predictable as the original.

you must have seen it when it came out, so you watch it now and get nostalgic. I watch it and go "eeccccccckkkkkk"

RegularKarate · June 28, 2011, 01:18:53 PM

Quote from: Reelist on June 28, 2011, 12:32:52 PM
you must have seen it when it came out, so you watch it now and get nostalgic.

I did and I do, it's still a good movie.

But you go on and be excited about this.

Reel · June 28, 2011, 05:43:03 PM

excited? Idk.. It's just rare that I see a horror movie being remade where I think "ohh.. good choice." This must be one of those instances where I'm close enough on the generational divide that I don't have any sentiment for the original, but I want to see that same story play out well. If it stinks, remake it.

matt35mm · August 17, 2011, 11:21:07 AM

The takeaway from my review of the film:

"In the end, there is less depth and heart in this remake, but there is more action, gore, and the humor is more hip and baudy. The original FRIGHT NIGHT will be watched and loved for years to come, and this remake will be forgotten pretty quickly. Still, if you're in the mood for a fun, throw-away movie that will offer you a bit of entertainment, the remake is a fine enough diversion."