Review: Let Me In

As many of you know, I am not a fan of horror films. The reasons vary, but allow me to quote myself on a post from back in October:

And I won’t even go into the “Ghost Train” nightmare at Riverview [long-ago amusement park in Chicago], where the train ride stalls in a pitch-black tunnel and all manner of scary creatures — played by real people — emerge from the walls, reaching and grabbing. All this at seven years old…no wonder I’m a flippin nutcake.

That said, Let Me In (a surprisingly recent remake of the 2008 Swedish film Let the Right One In) was a refreshing diversion from the dichotomous vampire tales of today (romantic/brooding, and rip-heads-off gory). In other words, a great deal of the most graphic violence is suggested; you don’t see as much of the makeup and CG gore as you might expect. There’s actually a story here, about a lonely, bullied middle school aged boy who befriends the strange girl who moves into the apartment next door with her guardian.

Sometimes slow, other times predictable (I mean, how many shocking plot twists can there be?), the movie gives ample time to the relationship between the two children, and how strikingly similar their lives are, in light of their other obvious differences. The ending is a bit stark, but satisfying enough. And of course, the little thugs who relentlessly torment young Owen get some fun treatment as well.

I’d say if you’re looking for a vampire film that will allow you to go upstairs in the dark afterwards, this is a good choice. It had enough emotional story to hold my interest, and enough fang to keep the Thriller from retiring to his office to work on a research paper.

On the Rat-O-Meter scale of five cheeses, I give Let Me In:

5 thoughts on “Review: Let Me In

  1. Tom Hanks

    Nice review, it sounds pretty good, though I guess people seem more enthusiastic about the Swedish original. The Swedes have been putting out some good movies lately. I just finished watching the Swedish movie adaptions of the Stieg Larsson Trilogy (Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Girl Who Played With Fire, Girl Who Kicked Over The Hornets Nest). I thought they were really good.

    Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      I was just looking at my Netflix queue and wanted to add those! I’m glad you liked them…I’m looking forward to seeing them. They’re my next “series” to watch. Thanks for the vote of confidence too, mate. I always respect your cinematic take.

      Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      Hey me too — we get B-R whenever we can. Otherwise, why have the player? Oh wait…so we can stream Netflix on the beautiful new present from BoomR and BV! YaaaAaAaaaaAAAAy yer awesome

      :-)

      Reply

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