Movie Review: Fright Night 3D

Jerry (Colin Farrell) is a macho vampire. Photo / Supplied

The world doesn't need another vampire flick, but when it's as entertaining as this remake of the 1985 comedy horror Fright Night, then why not? Featuring plenty of laughs, bloody gore, some impressive special effects and Colin Farrell at his bad boy best, director Craig Gillespie's interpretation is both instantly forgettable and amusing good fun.

Fright Night is a teen coming-of-age story, with a difference. Charlie Brewster (Yelchin) is an average Nevada high school student whose social standing has just gone through the roof after scoring gorgeous new girlfriend Amy (Imogen Poots). But unlike his peers, Charlie also has to deal with his discovery that the new guy next door Jerry (Farrell) is a vampire sucking the life out of their neighbours.

This vampire is no loved-up and palefaced Twilight romantic. Colin Farrell's refreshing interpretation of the vampire routine takes it to a whole new level of macho and tight T-shirts. A combination of seductive charm and danger, he keeps things more interesting than they really deserve as he decides the best way to get to Charlie is to go after girlfriend Amy and his mum Jane (Toni Collette).

Gillespie has created the perfect new setting for this modernised version, a newly built and surreal looking subdivision outside of Las Vegas. Making the most of this location, he's changed the Peter Vincent character in the original film from the host of a late-night TV show to a big-time Vegas illusionist (ex-Dr Who David Tennant) with a fascination for the macabre.

Reluctantly Vincent agrees to help Charlie try to defeat Jerry, although at first his performance is distracting as it seems he's more interested in trying to imitate Russell Brand. Once he settles into the action though, he's good to have along for the ride as the two try to stop Jerry, who is on a vampire recruiting spree.

There are a few genuine frights, shocking moments and impressive effects when the vampires come into contact with sunlight, but because of the amusing tone of the film it isn't as unnerving as it should be. Upgrading to 3D adds to the action and reminds us, as wooden stakes and severed limbs fly about, it's not easy being a vampire-slayer.

It's fun and a little bit scary, a bit like Halloween, so if you're looking to get into the spirit, this should work just fine.

Stars: 3.5/5
Cast: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant
Director: Craig Gillespie
Running time: 107 mins
Rating: R13 (Violence, horror scenes & offensive language)
Verdict: Fun remake of vampire-next-door

-TimeOut