cult film freak: THE ORIGINAL 'FRIGHT NIGHT' FOR HALLOWEEN

Written by James M. Tate / 10/31/2017 / No comments / amanda bearse , eighties , horror , roddy mcdowall

THE ORIGINAL 'FRIGHT NIGHT' FOR HALLOWEEN

10/31/2017 | No comment

Year of Release: 1985

Horror flicks haven't always balanced comedy and thrills, although since this particular combination goes with the territory, vehicles like the original FRIGHT NIGHT are considered classic now and were genuinely unique then: making this a genuinely unique classic.

Original Poster Artwork

William Ragsdale has an every-kid charm as a teenager named Charley, who worships a TV show centering on a fictional vampire slayer. And his dreams and/or nightmares are about to come true. For he new next door neighbor is a vampire, and the movie doesn't prolong suspense before our frenzied antagonist quickly discovers the truth through an open window.

From here on it's Charley trying to convince the local cop, his spunky girl and his best friend... scene-stealing, hyper-active "Evil Ed" hammed-up wonderfully by Stephen Geoffreys... that the handsome, womanizing, hypnotizing neighbor Jerry, played by Chris Sarandon, truly and literally... sucks.

The teen trio are great but without Roddy McDowall as Peter Vincent, the TV vamp slayer who's really a timid, washed-up actor, there wouldn't be the essential push needed to make things really work. A terrific transformation of Ed morphing from a bitten teen to a psychotic wolf is a highlight of this intentionally campy feast with a surprise around every corner. And not to forget Amanda Beasley (the neighbor from MARRIED WITH CHILDREN) as Charley's pretty ingenue; her scenes under Sarandon's swarthy spell adds a sensual creepiness to make it all even more worthy and complete.

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Tags : amanda bearse , eighties , horror , roddy mcdowall

James M. Tate

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