What I got for ya today, is a kinda a comparison type of article. What I’m gonna be doing is comparing two films. One is a remake and the other is the original. One was made here in the USA, the other is of the Swedish persuasion. I’m talking about, “Let Me In,” and “Let the Right One In.”
Ok, now as a general rule, most of the foreign horror films that are remade over here are pieces of shit compared to the original. But then again, aren’t most remakes pieces of shit? A few examples...”REC” is a 2007 Spanish horror film that kicked some serious ass! But the remake, 2008's “Quarantine,” eh, not so good. I know that everybody remembers, “The Ring.” But did you guys see the Japanese version directed by Hideo Nakata? Nakata’s film was WAY better! As I’ve come to learn, foreign horror movies are just better. Bottom line, foreign horror films kick our ass. And such is the case between “Let Me In” and “Let the Right One In.”
Now let’s get to the tale of the tape...
“Let Me In” (2010) U.S.A. (vs) “Let the Right One In” (2008) Sweden
Directed by: Matt Reeves Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
116 mins. 114 mins.
Netflix Instant Watch Netflix Instant Watch
My Score: 2.5 out of 5 My Score: 4.75 out of 5
As you can see, I ranked “Let the Right One In” like two and a quarter points higher. And I’m a professional so...Anyway, the plot for both films are the same. They both revolve around a bullied young boy who befriends a ‘young’ vampire. They both take place in the 1980's and they both have that romantic dynamic between the boy and the vampire. Basically the remake sticks to the original. Almost too much. It was shot pretty much scene for scene and for that it loses some points. If you’re gonna remake something, fuckin’ put your own twist on it. Don’t give me some regurgitated shit. C’mon boss. I would’ve really liked to see another director take a shot at remaking this film. Like Rob Zombie maybe. He would’ve done it better.
I also thought that in the Swedish version, the love dynamic between vampire and boy was portrayed a bit better. It was a bit more moving for me. The expressions of the actors, the way they acted with one another, I just thought that the kids in the foreign film did a better job. Plus, in the foreign film, they did a better job of explaining the whole ...”What if I’m not a girl” line. In the American version, we are led to believe that when Abby says that line she is referring to her being a vampire rather than a little girl. But in the foreign version, they actually show you what she means by that line. Now I won’t spoil it for those that haven’t seen it, but trust me, it does make a difference. It was a total jaw dropping moment. I was actually like, “Whoaaa.” And believe me, I don’t drop jaw that often.
Now as far as the score goes, both films did a good job with that. I thought the score was awesome for both. Both used some beautiful music. But I’d have to give the edge to the foreign version. On second thought, it was kinda neat to hear some 80's tunes in the American version. So I guess all in all, I’ll go ahead and give the score/soundtrack part a tie between the two movies. I also thought that some of the bullying scenes were a little bit harsher in the USA version. The whole atomic wedgie/pants pissing scene was pretty rough. Poor Owen. Now don’t get me wrong, the bullying scenes in the foreign film were good too, but the American version did a little bit better job in some instances.
I guess the best way I can convey my point is this. The original version of the film is like hearing a song by Elvis, or by whatever band you think is awesome. And the USA remake is kinda like hearing that same song by another band that is just okay. I mean both songs are good, but one is obviously far superior than the other one. So my advise, for what it’s worth, I would watch the 2008 Swedish version first. And then watch the made in the USA one. I mean that’s how I did it and I’m damn glad I saw the original first. In fact, the original one is like one of the best vampire movies I’ve ever seen. And brother, (or sister) I’ve seen a lot.
Well, there ya have it. That's about all I got for today, but before I get outta here, I do have like one quick nude scene to show you guys. That and a couple of other pics that I thought may add to your viewing pleasure. I also have included the two trailers, so after you peep out the pics, watch the videos, yes?
 | |
| Bit o' Boob |
 |
| Bit more Boob (Sasha Barrese "Let Me In" |
 | ||||
| Bed is a burning! |
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FACED!! |
Okay, for real, that's all there is and there ain't no more. Be sure and check out Sasha's stuff as well. She's always got something good going on. So until tomorrow horror fans. Take care, stay a-scared, and I am out!
 |
| ZOMBIE ZANE |
