"1, 2, Freddy's coming for you...3, 4, better lock your door..."

Rating: 8/10 (29 October 2005)

For starters, don't judge this movie by the terrible sequels that followed it. True, this movie had horrible acting, excessive gore and some shoddy editing work. In other words, it was a great 80's slasher movie.
The setting is Elm Street in a suburban American city called Springfield, which obviously is intended to make the audience feel like the horror could occur in their own neighborhood. The basic premise of the movie is a burned, undead villain named Freddy Krueger - who dons a red and green sweater, a fedora and a glove with blades on the fingers - stalks and kills high school children in their dreams.
The motives behind Freddy's violent behavior toward these children is to avenge his own death, where he was burned alive by the children's parents back when they were kids. Freddy preys on the new generation with a sickening glee, seemingly enjoying the terror he imposes on his victims before, ultimately, ending their lives.
There are some really outlandish death scenes in this movie that are impressive even today, which will stay in your brain long after the movie ends. If you are the type that scares easily, you might be afraid to sleep the night of your first viewing. This is Wes Craven's best film, which also provides the breakout role for Johnny Depp's now illustrious career.
"Whatever you do, don't...fall...asleep."