Nightmare on Elm St ’84 – a review
Whilst not officially a part of the Horror Movie Challenge (and let’s just call that a learning curve) I just had to consider the original Nightmare on Elm St as essential viewing. It had.. how many sequels?! (7 in case you were curious, including that crossover Freddy vs Jason) and its now been ‘re-imagined’ under the guidance of Michael Bay. A director that Terri Schuester and I both adore. (Yes, I totally just referenced Glee in this movie review)
Honestly, I had been putting it off. Of course, as I was 3 at the time, I’m sure I could have watched it at least by the time I was a teenager. But no. Because I like my sleep. I really cherish it. And for a movie that is all about a burnt-up scarred, knife-handed slasher that comes to you only when you’re asleep? Um. Frightened. No. Couldn’t.
But I’m older now. And still scared to death but I have movie buddies now to grab on to, or stifle my shrieks with cushions. Paranormal Activity is the same sort of movie, and I’m STILL scared, after viewing it at least 4 times (with different endings!). So that tells you. I’m a scaredy cat.
I consoled myself with the fact that Johnny Depp was ‘introduced’ here. Aww,a youngster here before his 21 Jump Street days, his hair is so delightfully floofy! At one point, he wears a *ridiculous* cropped football-jersey-esque top, and its hilarious. But I digress.
Whilst this is dated, and severely overacted (by each of the 4 leads) and the main girl’s mother, who gives Botox expressionism a go here – the kills are creative. The imagery of the dreamworlds they visit, and the blood spatter/splashing/bucketloads is in your face. I still cannot handle seeing Freddy’s tongue come through the phone, his voice saying ‘I’m your boyfriend now’..’. Now that’s what nightmares are made of! Out of this world imagery like that! And also? A tip. Don’t take baths when you’re sleepy!
I will say I didn’t shriek, or scream nearly as much as I did with the Crazies – but I did hide behind a cushion a few times, and jump a bit more than I expected. Not as dated with the scares as I anticipated!
I’m looking forward scared out of my wits to the new version which I will be seeing very soon.. let’s see how the scares/kills/chills/eye candy will be like this time around!
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