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Movie Review: Let the Right One In Alternate Title: Stockholm Syndrome
Story: Nobody's perfect. And
when you are a fragile, lonely, bullied, 12-year-old boy and you meet
someone, who yes, is odd, but wants to be your friend - well - a bond
is made. Tenderly directed by Tomas Alfredson and written
(in Swedish, with English subtitles) by John Ajvide Lindqvist,
based on his novel of the same name, we get an usual coming of age(less)
horror story about friendship, loyalty and vampires.
The two young misfits form an unusual friendship
that will touch you. Yes, there are some nightmarish scenes involving
gruesome acts in order for our 12 year old vampire to get blood but
most of the scenes are shot in the stark icy cold of Stockholm and become
visually arresting through the horror.
There are the usual vampire rules involving darkness,
amazing physical feats and the need for blood. But we also get some
new stuff about spontaneous combustion, what happens when a vampire
is not invited into one's house and a very cool scene involving cats
(did you know they do not like vampires?)
It makes sense that vampires would like Sweden.
They have very long winter nights. This film is not your usual bloodsucker.
It has beautiful cinematography, believable young actors and a story
line that sticks with you long after you leave the theater. It was a
bloody good ride.
Watch the scary trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICp4g9p_rgo And just for the fun of it. Here is that famous
last line from Some Like it Hot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZymBti7700 Acting: Kare Hedebrant as young, bullied Oskar was
pitch perfect. Lina Leandersson as the young vampire
Eli is definitely a vampire - she was that good. Trivia: The title of the film is taken from a song
by Morrissey. http://www.metrolyrics.com/let-the-right-one-slip-in-lyrics-morrissey.html
Predilection: I like vampire movies.
Critters: Lots and lots of cats.
Food: Is blood a food?
Sex Spectrum: No sex - just cuddling.
Soundtrack: Eerie and scary.
Opening Titles: White type over black background.
It was in Swedish so I did not pay much attention.
Visual Art: Brrr - it looked very cold.
Theater Audience: Five other frightened patrons.
Weather: Winter in Stockholm is cold, dark and snowy.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: A kid as a vampire has to have a meter
of at least 1.
Squirm Scale: If you are a vampire aficionado you
will not find this squirmy.
Drift Factor: There were many snow drifts but I did
not drift at all.
Predictability Level: I was not sure where this film
would go so I was surprised.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Could be a contender for Foreign Film.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure.
Length: Two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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