Preview: A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)

Synopsis:

The latest in a series of '80s horror remakes takes us back to the origin of the classic horror dream stalker Freddy Kreuger.

• Poster: B+; C-

Review:

The poster plays down the makeup distinction between the original and the remake and, instead, focuses on the famed 4-razor claw that has long been one of the most recognizable symbols in slasher history.

The overabundance of dark reds, oranges and yellows makes it difficult to distinguish the images in the poster, making it difficult to really appreciate it.

• Trailer: B; C-

Review:

For once, I'm actually excited about a remake...at least I was until the last few seconds of the trailer. Up until that point, the execution was brilliant, the homage was tingle-inducing and the origin-story presented at the beginning was exciting. However, when Freddy spoke at the end, embodied now in the voice of Jackie Earle Haley, I winced. It wasn't menacing or terrifying, it was desperate and grating. Paired with the brief glimpse of the new sinewy makeup design and many of my anxieties about the project came back to me.

The voice is still bothersome. The makeup still aggravating. The plot is still hidden, but the action looks like it was mostly lifted from the original film, emphasizing the more sensational aspects and minimizing some of the symbolism. Prospects are not getting better.

Oscar Prospects:

None.

Release Date:

• April 30, 2010

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (October 25, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (March 14, 2010) New Trailer; New Poster