3. A Nightmare on Elm Street - 2010

In 1984, John G. Avildsen directed an excellent movie called The Karate Kid. In 2010, Harald Zwart directed an excellent movie with the same name and a similar story, but in a more modern setting. Are they both good movies? I think so. Do they do the same thing for me, when I watch them? Well, yes and no. I enjoy both of them, but one for nostalgia and the other because it’s a better film. My point is this: when you watch a movie, you have to decide why you are watching it. Are you looking to compare the feelings invoked by the movie, to other movies? Are you scrutinizing the production as a whole? Are you expecting a remake to add-up to an original, or are you just hoping you’ll enjoy the movie you’re watching?

All that said, the newest take on Wes Craven’s unforgettable cult classic does not have the impact that Freddy did when he hit screens in 1984. Robert Englund took his character to a level that made him a household name, with references resonating across pop culture, into he future. But within the next 8 sequels, he was effectively ill-effective, if you will, at being scary. The whole thing had become sooo cheesy, that the only enjoyment left was seeing our old friend on screen and trying appreciate the bottom-of-the-barrel goofy ways he has left to kill a kid in their sleep. Which I’ll admit is fun, when you’re a teenager. However, eventually the only hope is close the franchise and wait for time to bring you a remake.

Now honestly, the good things about this version are plenty. The opening sequence is great. It reminds you right away, that you are watching a Freddy movie. The examples of the claw in the tub and the bloody bedroom scene are both represented and are just as good as the originals, in their own way. And the kids are modern. They do all their sleep disorder research online (leaving room for a clever little pun, when the computer goes into “sleep mode.”) and are able to vlog their insomniac fears, with webcams. Also, these days instead of spooning instant coffee into their mouths to stay awake, they have prescription drug refills.

Another nice reminder is that because horror films are not usually taken as seriously by critics and viewers alike, they’re often an easier avenue for rising talent. As Cravens Nightmare had a young Johnny Depp and Amanda Wyss, the reboot features Rooney Mara and Kyle Gallner. And Freddy, Fred Krueger, Englund’s icon, is portrayed by Jackie Earle Haley, the man who represented our beloved Rorschach as best as we could hope for, in the unnecessary screen version of Watchmen. He’s great, and does the meanness of Freddy well, with vicious charm and no cheese.

Add all that to a nice modern take on deeper details of Kruger’s backstory and this 2010 version of A Nightmare on Elm Street is an offering to appreciate. Especially if you’re just hoping to enjoy the movie you’re watching.