Freddy is Born!

Rating: 8/10 (4 June 2007)

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984, Dir. Wes Craven)
Story
Back in 1984, a new horror franchise was introduced by Director Wes Craven. This was the third franchise to hit cinema screens during this period. The Friday the 13th series and the Halloween series both introduced silent killers, which slowly moved around killing each victim off one by one. The killer here is very different and offers quite a cocky mood with many jokes and one liners said as he delivers unique ways of death to the individuals. The concept of the killer is very different, as he can only kill you in your sleep. Unlike Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger quickly finishes you off as you try to stay awake. Like most horror movies, there are a group of 'teens' to work together to try and survive their nightmares.
Actors
There are only 4 primary hero characters and 1 villain, although other minor characters do appear at different times. Heather Langenkamp brings to life a wonderful heroine in the form of Nancy Thompson. She brings so much life to the character and you really do start to feel for her, but there are times where she doesn't feel sad enough after so many deaths. A very young looking Johnny Depp also appears. For his feature film appearance, Depp delivers a performance so convincing, that he looks like he was born with the acting bug. It's hard to believe he would go on to be the idol he is today.
Music
The music is one of the few things which are not very memorable in the film, but this is a good thing. Charles Bernstein does make a theme for the 'Nightmare on Elm Street' series which still sends shivers down your spine to this day. I feel that in horror films, music can disappoint the audience with its slow sweeping soundtracks as a death is about to happen. I prefer it when it's deadly silent.
Special Effects
The special effects in this film are very basic and simple, yet are still very, very effective. The make up transformation which Robert Englund goes through is remarkable and a lot of effort has been put into it. The deaths aren't very brutal, although some can be considered gory. They have been done in a way which are not the usual deaths, whilst still doesn't go over the top. Some effects are unrealistic, such as super long Freddy arms, but still fit into the dream like work.
Conclusion
Overall, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' is an wonderful horror fan, which anyone who fancy some frightful fun should watch. It has everything from horror to comedy, and even a bit of romance.
"When I get nervous, I eat, "  Glen Lantz (Johnny Depp)