Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Jordan

Guillermo del Toro's misremembered version of a 70's tv movie. It's the slightly distorted story he remembers, rather than a straight remake. It's a film that works as a straight horror and as a fun piece of entertainment depending on your reaction or age. There's no denying the general premise is inherently fun but it totally worked for me and I think for a younger audience it would play like gangbusters. They really nail the tone and those little critters are delightfully evil.

The film was shot in Melbourne so there was many a raised eyebrow of recognition as every single bit part was someone you recognised from some tv show or film. The opening is particularly fun...

I've like Bailee Madison since Bridge to Terabithia. She was the only person worth watching in that abortion of a film, Just Go With It. She carries the film here effortlessly. I do love a film with some real child endangerment.

There are some great scary sequences and while I do find those little guys quite funny looking (they remind me of those creepy little demons in The Gate) they still remain threatening.

Love opening title design and really like the music in the opening and closing credits but unfortunately it wasn't used much in the film.

This really feels like a great horror film for kids, forgotten from the 80's. Very enjoyable.