Fright night
For all the online tussles between Lost Boys and Near Dark fans, I would personally argue this one's better than both. Tom Holland (no not spiderman you millennials!) makes a genuinely charming Vampire movie that's tense and creepy when it needs to be and funny as hell at the right moments. The setup is simple. A vampire has moved in next door. Geeky Charlie Brewster has noticed this. No one believes him. In desperation he turns to the host of a late night horror host and fading horror star Peter Vincent who turns out to be the exact opposite of his on screen persona.
There's some great performances on display. Chris Sarandon as the vampire Jerry Dandridge oozes creepy charm and manages to turn the menace on quite effectively. Roddy McDowall was always great in my opinion and here seems to be having loads of fun with the character of Peter Vincent. A vain and cowardly man who must find the inner strength to fight the vampire. Its well shot, paced and has some terrific creature effects and is a great homage to the classic vampire film.
Fright night part 2
Charlie Brewster is in college and is now convinced Vampires are a delusion. This makes him vulnerable when a group of Vampires come to town looking to take down both him and his friend Peter Vincent.
A decent sequel. Not as good as Fright night but very watchable. Its main problem is that its not as lean or focused as the first film and the plot at times feels like its somewhat meandering to a conclusion. It also feels about ten minutes too long.
That said its still a damn good film regardless with some great effects sequences and another great turn from Roddy McDowell as Peter Vincent.
This one has just turned up on Amazon Prime in a lovely looking HD transfer. If your a prime member check it out.
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