[Kill The Critic] The Independent Entertainment Blog [Film-Theatre-Comedy]

KTC Movie Challenge!

Swedish Sleeper 'Let The Right One In' vs. Mega-hyped 'Twilight'

Let The Right One In is arguably the best horror/thriller film of 2008. It was one of our picks for Fantastic Fest in September (ultimately winning the Best Horror Feature prize), and it is receiving a little buzz from critics and lucky festival circuit attendees. (See 98% approval rating @ Rotten Tomatoes.) The Swedish import is a vampire story wrapped in a universal story about children growing up - facing bullies, wanting revenge - and an endearing tween romance. The movie is a deft adaptation by the author of the novel Let Me In, John Ajvide Lindqvist, and it opened to general audiences on November 10th. If you miss the limited release at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (South Lamar), buy the book at stores like BookPeople or Borders, then buy the film on DVD or Blu-Ray - or see it at the nearest discount cinema if you're lucky enough to have one in your area. It hasn't been confirmed, but the movie may be in development as an American adaptation in 2010, which means I'll probably recommend you skip it in favor of the original in a couple of years.

But as great as it is, Let The Right One In isn't a box office match for Twilight, the highly publicized movie starring an up and coming hipster hottie and based on a Y.A. novel series by Stephenie Meyer. My sister's teen step-daughter who visited with us after Thanksgiving Day wanted to see the movie, but like me, she's compelled to read the book(s) first. So my brother-in-law bought her a couple of the books from the nearest Wal-Mart last weekend. Maybe we can see the movie when she returns to visit at the nearest discount cinema, because as curious as I am about the movie, I refuse to pay full price only to want a refund. (See 44% approval rating @ Rotten Tomatoes.) I'm vaguely familiar with the film's (and book's) premise: a likeable teenage heroine in love with a vampire disguised as a high school student who must contend with a rogue band of vampires as well as his own lust for blood.

Like TTYL, I'm sure the Twilight books are destined to be banned at Round Rock, TX schools soon, but kids (and adults) can buy it at BookPeople or Borders too. Twilight the movie is good enough for big budget Hollywood and audiences who want lots of action and teen hormone heat, but don't want any subtle surprises in a horror flick. However, if you want something of substance that will challenge your concept of what makes a good - or great - horror movie, then skip the publicity plagued teenage fantasy and see a movie destined to become a timeless horror classic - Let The Right One In.

KTC Ratings

Let The Right One In

(4 out of 5 swords)

Twilight

(2 out of 5 swords)

Have fun at the movies this weekend, whatever you watch.

Addendum: After a short debate, we've decided to nix the half sword ratings. When the mood strikes us, we'll post movie challenges on Thursdays - at least once a month. It's been a while since our last blog about all things movie related, so look for a Sweet Release blog soon... Next Tuesday?