In this column I will be leading up to my first time watching and, of course, reviewing 2003’s “Freddy Vs. Jason” by ranking both the “A Nightmare On Elm Street” and “Friday the 13th” franchises.
In this column specifically, I will be ranking Freddy’s side of things with the “A Nightmare On Elm Street” franchise.
This is one of the worst sequels in the series with it having Freddy killing by possessing the body of a boy named Jesse Walsh, instead of using the dream world. This along with controversial subtext make for the black sheep of the franchise and a film that I would suggest skipping, for the other films ignore it.
- “A Nightmare On Elm Street” (2010)
Having not seen this film I can only go off what I know, that being that remakes don’t turn out very good most of the time. This film being a CGI-filled version of the original it seems to be just another bad remake.
This film was a pain to watch, and one big problem with it is that the John Doe character is never given a true identity. My mind thought of Jacob from the Dream Child, but it’s not confirmed in this film. Also Freddy is way too much of a comedian that it’s not funny; it just feels dumb and painful to watch. I mean he kills a kid with a Power Glove.
I put this film at number five only because I haven’t seen it yet, but the idea of an entity using Freddy Kreuger’s character to attack the cast and crew of the movies is a cool and original idea. And with Wes Craven back in the director’s chair, looks like a decent watch at worst.
I think “Elm Street 4” commits a pretty bad sin against the franchise by letting Freddy kill the three survivors of “Dream Warriors.” Since that film says that those kids are the last of the “Elm Street” kids, this means Freddy get his revenge by killing them, thus he wins but just keeps killing eventually getting defeated by Alice.
My one concern when watching was that the film would touch on abortion, which is a controversial subject. The subject is quietly brought up and dismissed just as fast. Overall the concept of Freddy using the dreams of an unborn child is pretty interesting and creative.
This film has the best portrayal of Freddy with him having the scare factor the the first film and the one liners one the later films. This film also brings Wes Craven and Nancy back. While Nancy dies, it’s more a sacrifice to save the other “Elm Street” kids, rather than diminishing a character’s survival.
- “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
Like most movie franchises, the first is the best, and this is no exception with Freddy at his scariest. And with Wes Craven at the head of the project, it’s no wonder “A Nightmare on Elm Street” became one of the best horror franchises of all time. However, there is one that may be better . . .
