So we’re into October now, and Halloween is fast approaching.
Along with all the Jack O’Lanterns, costumes and candy, the spooky season means it’s time to kick back and watch some our our favourite horror movies.
Being a kid in the 1980s and a teenager in the 90s, you know that means all of the classic 70s and 80s slasher flicks are among my faves.
The best part, is that those movie murderers are all iconic. From Leatherface in the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” films, to Jason Voorhees in the “Friday the 13th” franchise and Michael Myers in the “Halloween” movies, to the lesser (in my opinion) villains, like “Hellraiser’s” Pinhead, to Chucky, the demented doll from the “Child’s Play” movies, they’re all memorable in their own way.
But for me, one stands above the rest, and that’s the “Dream Demon” himself, Freddy Krueger, from the “Nightmare on Elm Street” flicks.
I actually saw the third Elm Street movie, “Dream Warriors,” first, at my buddy Randy’s place, around 1988/89, and I was hooked. That one also features this banger from Dokken on the soundtrack!
Everything about Freddy was instantly burned (sorry, Freddy) into my brain… his burn-scarred appearance, the red and green sweater, the dirty old fedora, and of course, his razor-fingered glove, which to me, is up there among the most iconic pieces of screen weaponry, along with Darth Vader’s lightsabre, Dirty Harry’s .44 Magnum, Indiana Jones’ bullwhip and Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir.
The other thing that makes Freddy the best, is his razor-sharp wit. (Again… sorry for the pun!) Michael Myers, Jason, and Leatherface were all mute killers, going about their evil business in a silent manner.
Freddy has personality… style… panache… Not only did he pop up to terrify you (and worse) in your dreams, but he also spewed out wicked one-liners and used psychological warfare, as much as his bladed glove.
Because of this, it’s also tough to do new Elm Street movies. Where other franchises can ultimately replace the actors behind the masks, any “Elm Street” movies without the one and only Robert Englund just lack his identifiable personality, flair and physicality that make the character it is.
Need proof? Just subject yourself to the awful 2010 remake, and you’ll see what I mean. Jackie Earle Haley is a great actor, but he’s just not “my” Freddy.
There’s talk of doing another remake of the original, and I know all movies nowadays are made to be remade, but after the 2010 debacle, they’d better get this reboot right, or it might go the way of “The Exorcist” franchise, which has seen it’s share of bumps in the road, as well!
In the end, no matter how many remakes and reboots we get of our horror favourites, it’s nice to know we can go back and watch the older classics anytime we want (one of the perks of having physical media – they can’t be removed from streaming platforms!)
When it comes to scary movies, what are your go-tos, and who are your favourite cinematic maniacs? I’d love to know!
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