"Fright Night" (1985) review

 Frighteningly Good Fun

"Fright Night” is one of the great horror films of the eighties.  Furthermore it distinguishes itself as a superb tribute to the genre.  In the same way that “Galaxy Quest” serves up a loving yet ferocious critique of science fiction; “Fright Night” also celebrates every cliché and skewers every stereotype.  The movie oozes homages, and these are incorporated deftly into the suburban setting.  As it does, new life is breathed into what could have easily become a tired affair.  “Fright Night” has all the right chills, but also enough thrills to make it a rollicking good time for all. 

William Ragsdale brings a sweet earnestness to Charley Brewster, a high school student who believes that a vampire has moved into his neighborhood.  As Charley is “just a kid” and known to be a rabid consumer of horror movies, neither his mother nor the police take him seriously when he sounds the alarm about the undead lurking right next door.  His best friend responds to Charley’s growing anxiety with hilarity, while his girlfriend starts to wonder about Charley's sanity.

As for the monster, “Fright Night” embraces completely the concept of a handsome monster that was a new notion in the eighties.  Chris Sarandon injects a sexy sophistication into his performance as master vampire Jerry Dandridge, and Chris conjures an alluring persona of power and charm.  Jerry Dandridge's charisma is compelling, and makes being a creature of the night very attractive despite the damnation downside.  Jerry is able to seduce Charley’s girlfriend merely with his eyes, and now Charley must fight to save her as well as himself.

With nowhere to turn, Charley’s desperation leads him to beg for help from his favorite late night horror movie host, Peter Vincent. Roddy McDowell is a comical delight as the failed actor who is given one last stab at success.  While Peter initially perceives Charley to be a disturbed fan perpetrating a bad joke, a terrifying confirmation soon convinces Peter that Charley is telling the truth.  With the vampire now stalking both of them, this change of faith had mortal implications as certain protective totems will not shield the wielder unless they truly believe.

The final battle in the vampire’s lair is a treasure trove of horror tropes.  Creaking stairs, creeping fog and fluttering drapes all conspire to create an atmosphere of intoxicating fear.  The old school special effects are still excellent, and everything from animation to latex is applied as the vampire tries all his tricks to attack and evade his pursuers.  Ultimately, you think our heroes have carried the day, but even at the end the movie leaves uncertainty drifting in the night air.  “Fright Night” is a terrific film for genre lovers, and the perfectly balanced scares and laughs also result in an excellent choice for non-horror fans.  The story of the undead is as old as the ghost tales shared around flickering campfires, yet in the hands of writer/director Tom Holland the film transcends kitsch and becomes a modern classic.