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3 Stars

The updated version of Wes Craven’s classic 1984 horror film is a satisfying trip back to Elm St.. Working from a fairly faithful screenplay by writers Wesley Strick and Eric Heisserer, director Samuel Bayer and producer Michael Bay have given the picture a glossy look and a few hallucinatory dream-scapes that are beautifully eerie. The return of Freddy Kruger is handled nicely by veteran actor Jackie Earle Haley, his version of the iconic villain is less camp more creepy pedophile. Wherein lies my biggest problem with the film, I missed the sense of wicked mischief that was prevalent in the earlier series and embodied by Robert England. There is a sense of deja-vu that hangs over the proceedings and although the cast is attractive and energetic nobody stands-out. However despite these issues, this ‘Nightmare’ remake is infinity better than last years updated ‘Friday the 13th’. The ending of course leaves the door open for a sequel.

Director: Sam Bayer
Stars: Jackie Earle Haley, Thomas Dekker

View the Trailer