RUN TIME- 100 MINS
WRITER(S)- MATT VENNE
STARRING- WILL PAYNE, JAIME MURRAY, AND SEAN POWER
DIRECTOR- EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ
Synopsis taken from IMDb
By day Gerri Dandridge is a sexy professor, but by night, she transforms into a real-life vampire with an unquenchable thirst for human blood. So when a group of high school students travel abroad to study in Romania, they find themselves ensnared in Gerri's chilling web of lust and terror. Charley and "Evil" Ed must stop Gerri from drinking and bathing in the blood of a "new moon virgin," which just so happens to be Charley's ex-girlfriend, Amy. They enlist help from Peter Vincent, the vampire hunting host of a reality show called "Fright Night," to drive a stake through Gerri's plan and save Amy from a fate far worse than death.
Much to my surprise, the new film, is more of a remake than a sequel. I did not know this, nor expect it. I saw the redband trailer a few months back, and that's all I knew going into it. And honestly, I was expecting good things, after being pleased with the remake. I knew by the trailer that this new movie was going to have some nods to the original, such as the vampire moving next door, and the lead vampire's name being Gerri. I never thought this was going to be another retelling, and not a follow-up to the 2011 flick.
Truth be told, I knew I was in trouble within the first 10 minutes. There's a good jump before the opening credits, but after that, you can instantly see the change in quality it takes. When we get character time with Charley (Will Payne) and "Evil" Ed (Chris Waller), it's very clear the acting is poor, and not believable. The dialogue was almost as lacking as the performances. Right here, as I aforementioned, I knew I was in trouble.
Reason being; you can't set up a good story that's heavily character induced, when the actors and actresses can't pull the roles off. If they're laughable, and or unbelievable, than the whole feel of the film is shot to hell. Such is the case with this, unfortunately. I was even disappointed in Jaime Murray's acting as the lead vamp, Gerri Dandridge.
I've somewhat followed her career after seeing her on season 2 of Showtime's "Dexter", which is my all-time favorite show. But, this movie isn't her best body of work...
With basically the whole premise of the original movie, from back in 1985, "Fright Night 2: New Blood" hardly offers up anything extra worth watching for. You know, I really hated Christopher Mintz-Plasse's "Evil" Ed, and compared to Chris Waller's version in the new movie, I'd kiss Mint-Plasse's feet. Not to mention the travesty that's become of a once iconic character, Peter Vincent...
The story, and character development are rushed. Now, couple that with the laughable, and or forgettable acting, and you see what a mess this film is. They tried to go to new territories with making Gerri really be Elizabeth Bathory, but it doesn't stick. It's not the right story, and it's not pulled off right. I think we're all overdue for a good horror film about Elisabeth Bathory. The 2006 flick, "Stay Alive" tried to make it happen, but much like this picture, didn't know how to properly execute a decent plot.
I'm overall very let down by this sequel/remake. There's nothing memorable about it, and quite frankly, I was happy when it ended. Other than some decent gore, there's nothing impressive offered. And the gore doesn't really mean anything with lazy makeup applications. I don't understand the point, purpose, or need for this film's existence. But, then again, it's not my place to say what films should and shouldn't get made.
I can't say that if there's another installment in the "Fright Night" series that I'll be anxious to see it. Unless by some great power someone steps up to get the series back on track for a 3rd film, which I'm not holding my breath for. I actually would prefer the original "Fright Night: Part II" (1988), and I didn't even really like that one either!. "Fright Night 2: New Blood" is honestly just as bad as the "30 Days of Night" sequel.
In the end, this motion picture goes into the bin of films this year that I'll never watch again. That about sums it up.
Another one I had high hopes for as well...so much for that! Great job buddy!
ReplyDeleteIt is a total and utter disappointment. Thanks again for reading, Teresa!
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