Nightmare on Elm Street: The Classics Never Die

A Nightmare on Elm Street, this is the movie you all know, and if you have any sense, all love (I kid, you're all entitled to your own opinion). What more can be said about this immortal classic? Probably not much, but I am going to anyway.  Given the fact that this movie has been discussed ad nauseum, this will be a quick and dirty break down.

I recently watched this film with a buddy of mine.  He hadn't seen it in years, and I wanted to see if I could get him to watch the whole series, for better or worse, with me.  I also figured it was worth a review, seeing as how the re-imagining had recently hit the theaters.

The old saying, "they just don't make them like they used to," is definitely applicable here.  The film uses virtually no CGI (computer generated images) to create the many memorable images.  Is the film dated?  Arguably some parts are, even the film makers will tell you the part where Nancy's mom is ripped through the window looks a bit ridiculous.  However, that being said, the film holds up extremely well.  It reaffirms why Freddy became the horror icon he is today.

The film has many running themes and subplots.  Ultimately, it is a fantastic horror film by any standards.  It really breaks away from the traditional slasher formula.  It was ahead of its time, and it continues to leave its mark on today's horror movies.   The movie has a creepy vibe and the pacing is wonderfully orchestrated, like one of Beethoven's symphonies.  The movie gives you just enough to want more of that lovable knife-toting dream master.  I could write a whole book on this film, but given it's place in horror history, and the fact that it has been reviewed to death, I will end it right here.  I will hopefully be rewatching the sequels soon, so get ready for some of those reviews, I will probably get a little more in depth with them.

The Verdict: if you haven't seen this, do yourself a favor and watch it, if you have seen it, see it again.

Pass the popcorn, and if you really want to treat yourself and are a film and horror fan, see Never Sleep Again, the Nightmare on Elm Street documentary.  It is a fantastic examination of the entire Nightmare collection, don't miss it!