This was my first movie monster. With no knowledge of anything else, of course I saw pictures of Dracula and Frankenstein, but had no idea who or what they were. So way back in 1985 or 1986, I would probably say 1986, due to seeing the film on cable, along with other films. But watching A Nightmare on Elm Street 2, I thought it was the best thing I had seen, since Star Wars. But more than that, it opened me up to an entire new world that has been awesome and I was only 6 years old. Sure the story gets old, but if not for Freddy, I may not be where I am today.
I am not sure if I have ever spoken about Freddy Krueger in general. Sure, I have written about the movie series and listed my worst to best. Out of what I consider the big three more modern monsters, Freddy is my favorite. I love Jason for being silent and showing up out of nowhere and brutally killing you. Hell Jason is a revenge story, Freddy is deranged child killer. I do love Michael Myers also, but no matter what, Rob Zombie killed that for me. I hate to say that, but it is true.
Speaking of remakes, I hate the remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street and the performance of Jackie Earle Haley. The film may have been a lot better if not for the changes to the character himself. Taking away his wise cracks and recasting kills the film. When I think of Freddy Krueger, I don’t even think about the remake. I am too far removed from the remake. When it comes to seeing a Nightmare movie, I have seven films to chose from. Freddy, unlike Jason and Micheal Myers was only played by one actor, Robert Englund, until the remake. In Freddy’s Revenge they tried to recast him, but the actor or stuntman could not get the walk right, so the brought Robert Englund back in. That was a smart move. We know now, thanks to the remake, it is hard to imagine another person in the red and green sweater, wearing the iconic glove and fedora.
I also believe, the idea of a monster who stalks you in your dreams and if he kills you, you are dead. That is an awesome concept to think about. The power of controlling ones dreams. I mean anyone can kill people in real life, but that leaves a trail. Freddy is untouchable, he is a nightmare demon and stalks teens with parents who don’t listen or believe their crazy teens. Not to mention there are so many things that can happen in dreams, it is the ultimate playground for a killer. I am surprised more films with even crazier dream sequences were not made or still being made. That is one thing that really brings me closer to the stories, the open world, the playground that is the dream world.
Sometimes I wish there were more “Freddy” movies, but he had this time and the 1980s were perfect. I have explained in my person website where there could be a sequel set after Dream Child. If you care to read, click here.
I made a list of the best Nightmare films, A Nightmare On Elm Street – Worst to Best.
Tonight I will be watching A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 and 4, if the wife lets me. Dream Warriors is the best of the sequels, but I love Dream Master. Lisa Wilcox as Alice kicks major ass.
This is the part where I tell you some recommendations for films with Freddy, but that wouldn’t make sense. The entire A Nightmare on Elm Street series. I would go ahead and watch them all, in order, marathon.
