'Let Me In: Unrated'
(Chloe Grace Moretz, Richard Jenkins, Kodi-Smit McPhee, et al / DVD / R / 2011 / Anchor Bay Entertainment)
Overview: A young boy named Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee, The Road) has troubles at home (his parents are divorcing) and at school (bullies pick on him mercilessly). But when a mysterious girl named Abby (Moretz) moves in next door, Owen hopes he's found a friend, even though she smells a little strange. Unfortunately, his new friend needs blood to live, and the man who seems to be her father (Richard Jenkins, Six Feet Under) goes out to drain local residents to feed her!
DVD Verdict: I saw the Swedish version of this film about a year ago. I jumped on the chance to see the "Americanized" version, although I have been baffled by the need to "remake" foreign films into American ones (like the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). However, I think I kind of get it now, because for me personally, this "redo" really worked.
'Let Me In' has much the same atmosphere and appearance as "Let the Right One In," the film it is actually based upon. But while the original left me kind of cold (perhaps appropriately so!), the English version got me. The film is very well acted by the two main leads, Kodi Smit-McPheeee and Chloë Grace Moretz are both very talented young actors, and this could not have been an easy film to make.
Can't have any spoilers here, so I'll just say what I think's so great about the film. Besides superb acting and a beautiful film, the soundtrack (80's music that fits the scenes they're placed in perfectly!)is awesome! This is a vampire movie, but totally different and better than any "Twilight" garbage. This movie is sweet, sad and suspenseful.
I actually can't wait to watch it again, and I rarely say that about movies. Not your typical horror/vampire movie, but also, not quite for the faint of heart. It could even be called "disturbing" by some, and it is rated R, for some very grown up themes, some language, violence, and gore. I will now definitely read the novel (in translation, of course). [KK] This is Widescreen Presentation (2.40:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Matt Reeves
From the Inside: A Look at the Making of LET ME IN
The Art of Special Effects, Crash Sequence Step-by-Step
Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Writer/Director Matt Reeves
Trailer Gallery, Poster & Still Gallery
www.letmein-movie.com
www.anchorbayentertainment.com