Scream Bloody Entertainment

There are some very good reasons to be afraid...of the dark.

A teenager discovers that the next-door neighbour who recently moved in is a vampire.

- entertaining and well-paced
- genuinely frightening
- outstanding climax
- impressive make-up and special effects
- Chris Sarandon shines as the villain
- beautifully atmospheric
- cunningly humourful

- a few confusing plot points
- some scenes feel a little stretched out

- moderate violence and gore
- moderate scares and frightening scenes
- low nudity and sexual themes
- low profanity

- some teenagers have to choose between a vampire and his girlfriend
- television actors make the best vampire killers
- getting turned into a vampire will instantly make you an evil person
- vampires can turn into wolves
- faith can go on and off for some people

Few movies know how to utilise a promising premise as well as Fright Night does, delivering entirely on its early potential with an engaging plot that never diminishes in focus or pacing, slowly building up tension and concluding with a memorable climax. Chris Sarandon's mesmerising performance as the threatening vampire living next door to the protagonist is arguably the film's main attraction, though the special effects and make-up design are just as impressive, and the captivating atmosphere prevailing throughout the movie isn't far behind either. In short, Fright Night is horror cinema at its finest.

horror meter: 4 coffined stars (out of 5)