Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Remake blends bloody vampire violence with humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
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Fright Night
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say the film is enjoyable and blends horror with humor, though it doesn't reach the high bar set by the original version. The movie contains significant violence and strong language, making it more suitable for older teens and mature viewers, but many find its comedic elements and fresh take on vampire lore to be quite engaging.
- humor mixed with horror
- significant violence
- strong language
- suited for older teens
- enjoyed by viewers
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In a Las Vegas suburb, Charley (Anton Yelchin) has a new girlfriend (Imogen Poots) and is working hard to leave his nerdy past behind. Unfortunately, one of Charley's extra-geeky old friends, Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), shows up, claiming that Charley's mysterious new neighbor, Jerry (Colin Farrell), is a vampire. Charley tries to ignore the matter, but after Ed disappears, he starts investigating and finds some horrifying evidence. Unfortunately, he also finds that he has a difficult time getting anyone to believe him. He even tries to recruit local stage magician/self-proclaimed vampire hunter, Peter Vincent (David Tennant). But ultimately, Charley has no choice but to face Jerry himself, help or no help.
Is It Any Good?
This remake essentially stays true to the formula of the 1985 version, with great success.The original Fright Night gleefully celebrated old-time horrors while at the same time commenting on modern horrors in a humorous way; it also had a slew of modern-day gore and special effects. Director Craig Gillespie and screenwriter Marti Noxon (a veteran of TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer) create a world in which the Twilight books exist, but vampires are beer-drinking handymen rather than brooding teens; they're not necessarily cooler than anybody else, but they are one jump ahead.
The movie sets up a delightfully wry cat-and-mouse game as the heroes search for vampire rules online, and the vampires simply change them on a whim. The breezy direction allows plenty of room for the actors, especially a hammy David Tennant (Doctor Who), to stretch out and shine. The end result is a mood that's funny and playful, like a really good late-night movie on TV.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 19, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : December 13, 2011
- Cast : Anton Yelchin , Colin Farrell , David Tennant
- Director : Craig Gillespie
- Studios : DreamWorks , Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : bloody horror violence, and language including some sexual references
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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