Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens sliced and slayed in grisly slasher remake.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 28 parent reviews
Based on 112 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a mixed bag, with some praising its solid acting and gore while others criticize it as an unnecessary and disturbing remake that lacks the charm of the original. The film's graphic violence, strong language, and adult themes make it unsuitable for younger viewers, with most reviewers suggesting it is best for teens aged 14 and up.
- acting quality
- graphic violence
- adult themes
- mixed reviews
- age appropriateness
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
On Elm Street, a teen tries to stay awake, apparently afraid of a scary man with knives for fingers who threatens to kill him in his dreams. He eventually succumbs and dies, leading the rest of his friends to fear for their lives. After more grisly deaths, Nancy (Rooney Mara) and Quentin (Kyle Gallner), try to stay awake long enough to find out who Freddie (Jackie Earle Haley) is and what he wants. Their search leads to a terrifying truth, and a mysterious past incident involving all their parents. But even armed with this knowledge, can they still defeat Freddie before their exhaustion catches up with them?
Is It Any Good?
The idea behind this horror series is still extremely effective. It brings terror to the one place where we should be safe: sleep. This new reboot follows the same structure and uses some of the same scary imagery from Wes Craven's 1984 classic original. It's competently made, and the characters and dialogue feel authentic enough. The digital special effects are more modern, in a way that will appeal to today's teen viewers.
The new movie differs mainly in the character of Freddie. As portrayed by Oscar-nominated Haley, he's less funny and more twisted and tormented, especially in his flashback "origin" sequences. But the suggestion of child molestation brings the movie right out of the "fun" realm; it's far more disturbing than entertaining. Though one saving grace is that the teens in this movie are generally good kids -- not the sex-obsessed or mean teens that often find their way into horror films.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the film's extreme gore and violence. Was it scary? How else did it affect you? What makes horror movies so popular (and profitable)?
What is the impact of seeing so many gruesome images in horror movies like these? Teens: Do you think you'd feel less empathy for someone getting hurt if you saw too many movies like this one?
Why is Freddie scary? What makes him different from other "slashers" like Jason or Michael Myers? Do you think movies like these condone real violence?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 30, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : October 5, 2010
- Cast : Jackie Earle Haley , Kyle Gallner , Rooney Mara
- Director : Samuel Bayer
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody horror violence, disturbing images, terror and language
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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