Fright Night 2 (2013)

Number Rolled: 40

Movie Name/Year: Fright Night 2 (2013)

Tagline: The suckers are back.

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Length: 99 minutes

Rating: R

Production Companies: Gaeta / Rosenzweig Films

Producer: Michael J. Gaeta, Amy Krell, Alison R. Rosenzweig

Director: Eduardo Rodriguez

Writer: Matt Venne

Actors: Will Payne, Jaime Murray, Sean Power, Sacha Parkinson, Chris Waller, John-Christian Bateman, Liana Margineanu, Alina Minzu, Adi Hostiuc

Stunt Doubles: Florian Ciprian

Languages

Speech Available: English

Subtitles Available: English

Blurb from Netflix: High schoolers Charley and Ed must stop a sexy vampire’s chilling plan to bathe in the blood of a “new moon virgin” -- who happens to be Charley’s ex.

Selina’s Point of View:

What the fuck was that? Fright Night 2 my ass.

This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. Don’t tell me that a film is a sequel when it’s not. This film wasn’t a sequel of the original, it wasn’t a sequel of the remake, it wasn’t even a reboot of the sequel… it was a reboot of the remake pretending to be a sequel. Which is just fucking offensive because Anton Yelchin (Trollhunters, Odd Thomas, Burying the Ex) – and the rest of the cast – rocked that remake.

So, they rebooted the remake, replaced the characters with versions of the same characters that were not even remotely as like-able, and there was a shit-ton less suspense.

And, no, it wasn’t just a case of replacing the actors and still continuing the same story line. If you saw the first film of the reboot, then you know there’s absolutely zero continuity between that one and this piece of trash.

I really have no idea what there could be to enjoy about this film. I loved the originals and I loved the remake. This one was a sad, pathetic attempt to trick audiences into believing they’d continued the story.

If you’re heart’s set on watching it, go for it, but if you’re a fan of the actual Fright Night films… you will be pissed.

Cat’s Point of View:

I have mixed emotions about this movie. The Fright Night (2011) reboot was a fun movie. I think the casting was done well and they paid an honest homage to the original 1985 version. This film, however, does not follow in the footsteps of the original Fright Night Part 2 (1988). The original sequel was a continuation of the story, set a few years later. This movie is another remake of the original story. It also wasn’t as good. Unfortunately, that does this film a great disservice.

I don’t understand why they didn’t follow the same path the original took, since they were doing such a good job in translating the 1985 movie into a more modern framework. 

I would have loved to see Anton Yelchin (Terminator Salvation, The Smurfs, Green Room) reprise his role as Charley Brewster. It would have been feasibly possible, since his passing wasn’t until 3 years after this movie’s release. 

Who knows – maybe there were scheduling issues that prevented it. We may never know. There certainly aren’t any articles mentioning the topic, as far as my cursory scan could tell.

New lead, Will Payne (Elfie Hopkins: Cannibal Hunter, Mr. Selfridge, The Red Tent), was alright in his version of Charley; but pales in comparison to Yelchin’s version of the character. There was a cookie-cutter Amy, as well. Sacha Parkinson (Awaydays, Coronation Street, Homeboys) attempted to follow in Imogen Poots’ (Jane Eyre, Need For Speed, Roadies) footsteps, and also fell off the path.

I correct myself. The more I think about it, this movie doesn’t give me mixed feelings. It has made me mad.

The only element I found interesting in this movie – and that actually followed the original 1988 sequel even in the slightest bit – was that they gender-flipped the vampire role with Jaime Murray (Devil's Playground, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, Once Upon A Time) as a Gerri instead of Jerry. She’s no stranger to gender-reversed roles. I first remember seeing her on screen in her role as H.G. Wells in Warehouse 13 (2010-2014).

If they had continued the story of the original and threw in some extra color and spice with the location change and other twists that were attempted, it might have actually been decent. As it stands, I will never watch this again; and will be glad to make recommendations – against this movie. Go watch the ‘80s classics or the 2011 remake, instead. Your time would be better spent.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – None

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 17%

Netflix’s Prediction for Selina – 1.5/5

Selina’s Trust-the-Dice Score – 1/5

Netflix’s Prediction for Cat – 2/5

Cat’s Trust-the-Dice Score – 1/5

Movie Trailer: