Spoiler Alert: This is not an original movie! With that out of the way, let me talk to you about the American remake of “Let Me In”. The original movie “Let the Right One In” is a Swedish film that I absolutely love. Since when do we steal from the Swedes? I mean the Japanese were one thing with those horrible years of “The Ring”, “Shutter”, and hell even “The Departed” was a remake. What did those Dutch do to us? Swedes are Dutch right?
So at the beginning of these review, you already know that I might be a little biased but read all the way through, there’s a twist! The film is about a young boy named Owen who is constantly bullied at school and blah, blah, blah, we know where this is going. Yes, we get it. We have to feel bad for Owen. So in comes young Abby who moves in next door to Owen with her father. Owen is fascinated by this girl who only comes out at night. The two become friends and Abby gives Owen the confidence to become a better person and stick up to those bullies. Sound like a typical Disney Channel movie to me. But lets throw in that Abby is a violent vampire and now we’re cooking. And by “sticking up” for himself we mean beating up said bullies. I’m giving you only that much of the plot. There is so much more depth to the story, my synopsis will take away from it then actually help it.
Now this isn’t your typical vampire flick. I mean, yes it is, but theres more to it. “Let Me In” is part horror movie, part crime drama, and even part friendship story. The horror part is secondary to the other two which actually pleased me. Typical American remakes will be heavy on the horror aspect and promote the movie as such. By the trailer, thats what you think.
And here’s the twist, GO see this movie. Didn’t expect me to say that, did you? The remake is surprisingly close to the original’s plot with more Hollywood flair. I was quite please on how this turned out. The horror bits were scary but you never lose sight of the actual plot. I think what really sold it for me is that fact the the writer for the book and the original screenplay is also the writer for the American remake. This is the Halloween movie you want to go see.
I highly recommend seeing the original first. Don’t let subtitles scare you. The original is a little slow-going but so much worth it.
“Let Me In” is in theaters now so what are you waiting for?
