DVD Review: LET ME IN (2010)

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LET ME IN
Directed by Matt Reeves
Produced by Overture Films and Hammer Films
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment
2010

Let me start by saying that LET ME IN is one of the best Horror films I have seen in a long time. I really didn't think I was going to enjoy it this much. For those of you that aren't aware, LET ME IN is the American remake of the Swedish film, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, which was based on the novel of the same name by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Here is the basic plot from the Anchor Bay website:

In bleak New Mexico, a lonely, bullied boy, Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee of The Road), forms a unique bond with his mysterious new neighbor, Abby (Chloe Grace Moretz of Kick-Ass), who moves from town to town with the man who appears to be her father (Oscar® Nominee Richard Jenkins of The Visitor). Trapped in the mind and body of a child, however, Abby is forced to hide a horrific secret of bloodthirsty survival. But in a world of both tenderness and terror, how can you invite in the one friend who may unleash the ultimate nightmare?

I saw the original film, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, about 6 months ago and was blown away by it. I was wondering if the American remake would have as much effect on me since I had already seen the original. I thought I might just be watching the same thing over again, and for that reason, I was not overly excited about seeing this film. I couldn't have been more wrong. This film was amazing to watch and effected me just as much as the original film did, if not more so.

The movie seems to be set back in the 1980's, so it features some great pop songs from the 80's. These popular songs mixed with scenes using an original instrumental score is very effective in setting the proper moods. The film is shot beautifully with some great camera angles and high elevation shots. The cinematography is wonderful in this film, full of contrasting colors and moody shots.

The main characters in the film are Owen and Abby, played by child stars Kodi Smit-McPhee , and Chloe Moretz , respectfully. The actors that portrayed these roles could have made this film either very bad or very good, as the story is centered on them and they get the most camera time. Lucky for us, these fine young actors pull off one of, or actually two of, the greatest acting performances I have seen in many years. It is very seldom you see child actors with these kind of intense acting skills. The chemistry between these two on screen is amazing and they really make you feel for their characters and their individual and unique struggles. The kids from LET THE RIGHT ONE IN did a good job, but McPhee and Moretz trump these original performances in every aspect.

Along with the great acting are some of the greatest and craziest scenes you will ever witness in a film. One notable scene is that of a car wreck, where the entire shot of the wreck is done by a camera inside the car. This gives you a unique view of a wreck which is not normally seen. Another amazing scene was that at the pool when Owen is being bullied. Abby shows up and what follows is some crazy action and carnage. I don't want to say too much, as not to give anything away, but this is one scene that you will remember long after you watch it on screen.

If you are a fan of LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, you will love this American version. If you have never seen LTROI, you might even love it more, as it will be very unique and original to you. Whether you like Vampire movies or not, you need to check this film out. I am not a big Vampire fan by any means (I am more of a Zombie guy, I guess!), but I LOVED this film and have placed it on my list of favorite Horror movies ever! Do yourself a favor and check this film out as soon as you can!

LET ME IN will be released on DVD and Blu-ray next week on February 1st. You can pre-order by clicking the links below.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray