Jungle
Let Me In

Let Me In

Movie
Studio(s): 
Director(s): 
Genre: 
In Theatres: 
Oct 01, 2010
Grade:
A
Running Time: 
115 minutes
BOTTOM LINE

The cast puts on a spectacular performance and Matt Reeves has created something that will satisfy fans of the original and newcomers alike.

Let Me In is so much more than just another vampire movie. Based off the Swedish film Let the Right One In, which in turn is based off the novel by the same name, the film explores the relationship between 12 year old Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee) and his mysterious new neighbor, Abby (Chloë Moretz), who happens to be a vampire.

Fans of the film will be pleased to know that Let Me In is almost a carbon copy of the original with a few minor changes for American audiences. Don't let this discourage you as it's one of the best remakes in Hollywood. Everything that made the original great is retained and what's new only fleshes out the story more. Director Matt Reeves does an excellent job at making the hair on the back of your neck stand on end throughout the film's entirety. What's more, he does it without the use of excessive blood or violence although there is the occasional scene that may make your stomach turn.

The snow covered town of Los Alamos, New Mexico adds to the suspense. The majority of the film takes place at night where there could be anything lurking in the shadows or under the faint glow of a lamp post. Not only does the film look cold but you'll get chills running down your spine too. The environment plays an equally important role as the actors. 

Both Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloë Moretz bring their respective characters to life. There is real chemistry between the two actors, even at their young age. Despite the simplicity of the dialogue there is never a dull moment. Part love story, part vampire thriller, Let Me In merges the two wonderfully. There will be moments where you'll find yourself going "awww" and "ewww" at the same time. It's amazing to think that it was only earlier this year we saw Moretz "kicking ass" and now she's this blood sucking child.

There are a few minor differences in the film but nothing shocking or unnecessary. Names and locations are changed and a couple of scenes are altered but for the most part, it's as faithful as they come. Even the dialogue is practically the same. 

Let Me In is as charming as it is shocking. You won't want to look away and by the end, you'll be left wanting more. The cast puts on a spectacular performance and Matt Reeves has created something that will satisfy fans of the original and newcomers alike. 

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Matt Rodriguez
Review by Matt Rodriguez
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