Well there you have it, the Nightmare on Elm Street series has ran for so long it has finally lapped itself. This film is back to the original story line. Samuel Bayer and Michael Bay forwent a new plot in this rendition and instead focused on making Freddy scarier within the old plot, using special effects. He's not.
Since Wes Craven's original, made in 1984, there have been eight sequels (including this one). The heart-throbs have come and gone, from sweet Heather Langenkamp and greaser Johnny Depp to emo Kyle Gallner and artsy Rooney Mara. The special effects have steadily improved over the years, new production crew's brought on board, and new scare tactics utilized. But the one common denominator has always been Robert Englund playing Freddy Krueger. Finally the godfather of the Nightmare series has given his blessing, threw up two, and peaced out. Now we're running from Jackie Earle Haley (think Rorschach from The Watchmen). Same striped sweater, same corny one-liners, new face. I'll give it to him though, Haley's voice sounds awesome as Freddy in this movie.
As mentioned, the storyline is the same as the original, Freddy Krueger is exacting revenge on the children of the parents whom burned him alive. The one change: he's gone Peedo. Yes, Bay and Bayer went where Craven wouldn't. Freddy is a 'Fredofile'. It's up to them to stay alive before it's too late. Or at least until the next sequel.
Overall, it was a decent film. Gallner does a great job playing Quentin Smith and the acting in the beginning tried hard. I also appreciated that all my phobias were included--needles, nails on chalkboard, bloody quicksand--all genuine knee bouncing fears that complemented the lame "girl bent weird" and "face flash" camera tactics that are overused in modern horror films. It's cool but it's not going to change your life.
Stars: 3/5
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