Fabulous, Except for One Little Detail....

Rating: 8/10 (27 September 2000)

This is one of Craven's best works, with memorable dream sequences and slowly mounting tension as the line between dreams and reality is eroded bit by bit.
There is, in my opinion, a little too much gore, but that's entirely a matter of personal taste. Some of the more intense images from the film, years later, have been incorporated into my own nightmare imagery, which speaks highly for their visceral impact.
The only sour note in this production is...the ending.
CAUTION: SPOILER AHEAD!
In a futile attempt to either be "mysterious" or to keep the franchise alive (I lean towards the latter), the more satisfying ending fades into a cheap "is it really a dream?" scare ending. I found it completely off-putting, and it tarnishes the frightening and disturbing film which preceeded it. Nevertheless, this is, overall, one of the best horror films of the 80's. Give the sequels a miss, but this one should be a must-see.