In the ever-tricky territory of horror remakes, few manage to hit the mark. Yet Craig Gillespie’s 2011 Fright Night not only honors the 1985 classic—it carves out its own sharp, blood-soaked identity. Stylish, suspenseful, and knowingly self-aware, it’s a rare reimagining that earns its place in the genre’s lineage.
Vegas, Vampires, and a Vanishing Neighborhood
Set in a cookie-cutter suburb just outside Las Vegas, the story follows Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin), a high school senior whose life turns upside down when people in his neighborhood begin to disappear. The culprit? His charming, mysterious new neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Colin Farrell), who, beneath his smooth exterior, is a centuries-old vampire.
At first, only Charley’s nerdy friend Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) suspects Jerry is something more than human. But as the truth claws its way to the surface, Charley realizes the threat is real—and rising. To stand a chance, he enlists the help of Peter Vincent (David Tennant), a Vegas illusionist who knows more about monsters than he lets on.
A Reboot That Gets It Right
Where many horror remakes lean on nostalgia or overblown effects, Fright Night strikes a rare balance. It respects the original while fully embracing a slick, modern vibe. The Las Vegas setting heightens the tension—a vampire thriving in a city that never sleeps just makes too much sense.
Yes, the 1985 version is beloved. But this 2011 take proves that with the right cast, clever pacing, and a director who understands horror’s rhythm, you can breathe fresh life into a genre staple.
Fright Night is available for digital rental. Whether you’re revisiting the story or sinking your teeth in for the first time, this reboot is well worth the watch.
Read this article and more at August Tales Comics. Your go-to site for trade paperback exchanges and comic book news! Trade. Read. Repeat.#comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel #graphicnovels #augusttales
Image credit: comicbook.com
In the ever-tricky territory of horror remakes, few manage to hit the mark. Yet Craig Gillespie’s 2011 Fright Night not only honors the 1985 classic—it carves out its own sharp, blood-soaked identity. Stylish, suspenseful, and knowingly self-aware, it’s a rare reimagining that earns its place in the genre’s lineage.
Vegas, Vampires, and a Vanishing Neighborhood
Set in a cookie-cutter suburb just outside Las Vegas, the story follows Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin), a high school senior whose life turns upside down when people in his neighborhood begin to disappear. The culprit? His charming, mysterious new neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Colin Farrell), who, beneath his smooth exterior, is a centuries-old vampire.
At first, only Charley’s nerdy friend Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) suspects Jerry is something more than human. But as the truth claws its way to the surface, Charley realizes the threat is real—and rising. To stand a chance, he enlists the help of Peter Vincent (David Tennant), a Vegas illusionist who knows more about monsters than he lets on.
A Reboot That Gets It Right
Where many horror remakes lean on nostalgia or overblown effects, Fright Night strikes a rare balance. It respects the original while fully embracing a slick, modern vibe. The Las Vegas setting heightens the tension—a vampire thriving in a city that never sleeps just makes too much sense.
Yes, the 1985 version is beloved. But this 2011 take proves that with the right cast, clever pacing, and a director who understands horror’s rhythm, you can breathe fresh life into a genre staple.
Fright Night is available for digital rental. Whether you’re revisiting the story or sinking your teeth in for the first time, this reboot is well worth the watch.
Read this article and more at August Tales Comics. Your go-to site for trade paperback exchanges and comic book news! Trade. Read. Repeat.#comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel #graphicnovels #augusttales
Image credit: comicbook.com
