Let Me In (2010)
Brief review: "Cloverfield" director, Matt Reeves, brings this masterfully-crafted remake of the 2008 Swedish phenomenon "Låt den rätte komma in", and his version of the well-acclaimed vampire story is, surprisingly, on-par with the original, and even superior in some ways. The story, while familiar, stands on its own, in a new, unique way. The pacing is subtle and exquisite, and the movie gets more and more gripping as the plot unfolds. Moreover, "Let Me In" delivers some truly chilling moments and intensity, which are rendered even stronger by the contrast with Michael Giacchino's haunting music score. The acting is also one of the film's main strengths. New comer, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and "Kick Ass" girl, Chloe Moretz, both deliver absolutely magnificent performances as Owen and Abby. They act so naturally and so sincerely in front of the camera, it's fascinating! "Let Me In" also dazzles with its technical brilliance. Reeves' direction is versatile as possible, providing us with countless precisely-shot scenes and great variety of camera angles. The snowy scenery is as creepy as it's gorgeous, and the production design is first-rate. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking and deserves a special mention. Every scene is deeply atmospheric, and "painted" in different tint - golden, bluish, greyish, sepia, as every next scene is more stunning than the previous! Kudos to cinematographer Greig Fraser, as his use of color, shades and low-key lighting is amazing! Simply put, "Let Me In" is technically flawless.
Brief review: "Cloverfield" director, Matt Reeves, brings this masterfully-crafted remake of the 2008 Swedish phenomenon "Låt den rätte komma in", and his version of the well-acclaimed vampire story is, surprisingly, on-par with the original, and even superior in some ways. The story, while familiar, stands on its own, in a new, unique way. The pacing is subtle and exquisite, and the movie gets more and more gripping as the plot unfolds. Moreover, "Let Me In" delivers some truly chilling moments and intensity, which are rendered even stronger by the contrast with Michael Giacchino's haunting music score. The acting is also one of the film's main strengths. New comer, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and "Kick Ass" girl, Chloe Moretz, both deliver absolutely magnificent performances as Owen and Abby. They act so naturally and so sincerely in front of the camera, it's fascinating! "Let Me In" also dazzles with its technical brilliance. Reeves' direction is versatile as possible, providing us with countless precisely-shot scenes and great variety of camera angles. The snowy scenery is as creepy as it's gorgeous, and the production design is first-rate. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking and deserves a special mention. Every scene is deeply atmospheric, and "painted" in different tint - golden, bluish, greyish, sepia, as every next scene is more stunning than the previous! Kudos to cinematographer Greig Fraser, as his use of color, shades and low-key lighting is amazing! Simply put, "Let Me In" is technically flawless.
Overall summary: Beautifully-filmed, subtly creepy and thoroughly compelling, "Let Me In" is one of those extremely rare cases, where the remake surpasses the original on many, many levels.
18 comments:
wow--can't wait to check this out!
Great review, buddy!
I've just finished watching the finally released rip either :) 110% agree with the 9 rating, I compare some of the scenes with the Swedish version and surprisingly this one is more intense. Also love the facial expression of Moretz when she's changing into vampire. Yes, the acting of these two of the most talented child actors today are awesome. I thought they even better than the original. Credits too for Matt Reeves, this guys is really has the talent. As both director and screenwriter for this film, he'd completely outdone himself.
I consider this comment as my review for "Let Me In". Thanks for the space, buddy! ;)
Looks interesting at least.
I have to check this out, it sounds fantastic.
I was wondering about this since remakes are notoriously terrible and I liked the original a lot.
Candice, you should check it out as soon as you can. It's absolutely fantastic!
Jaccs, thanks, buddy! Your opinions on my reviews are always appreciated. Yes, it's more intense and more visually-appealing, compared to the original. The Swedish version was great, but somewhat 'cold', if you know what I mean. For me, there was something missing.
As for Matt Reeves, yes, he's absolutely incredible. How did I miss to mention him on my best directors post. Silly me! :) OH, and I was so impressed with the cinematography - it blew me away! The best of the year.
I'm happy to have your comment-review here. There's always a space for you, mate.... as much as you want ;)
Vapor, it's much more than just 'interesting'.
Ricky, you definitely should. It's just as fantastic as it sounds. I was thoroughly captivated by it.
Melissa, dear, although I agree that most remakes are quite terrible, I have to say that this one is even a notch-better than the original. Check it out and prepare yourself to be pleasantly surprised :)
Great review. I also really enjoyed this movie for a lot of the reasons you mentioned. I really loved the story, which is why I made it my favorite horror movie of 2010.
I saw the original film "Lat den ratte komma in" and I absolutely loved it. If this remake is half as good as the first film I'd be glad to see it .
HorrO, thanks. Actually, it's my favorite movie of 2010 as well, along with the Aussie demented masterpiece "The Loved Ones".
Arion, although I love the original quite a lot as well, I have to say that the remake is a notch better. It surprasses the original in terms of visuals, acting and even storytelling. See it ASAP!:)
Ooooooooh "better than the original"... that's a big, big call. I am yet to see this one although I think I will end up agreeing with you that the remake is great in it's own way. To me, the original is a modern cinematic masterpiece in how it is so compelling through the minimalist approach it adopts and precious attention to detail; although your review has definitely shaved away a lot of my skepticism. Can't wait to see it :) Thanks
-Adrian
Welcome back, Adrian! :)
You know what... as much as I loved the original, I thought there was something lacking and it was a bit too 'cold', while there's nothing lacking in the remake. It's better executed, in terms of story, acting, and last but not least, production values. Glad to hear that my review helped you to get rid of your skepticism :) Just see it, buddy. It's utterly amazing!
had you ever seen the original? it maybe just me, but I think the original's a little better.
Kaijinu, yes I have, and I know it's the original and everything, but this remake worked better IMO.
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