THE RATING

THE LAIR EXPERTS

Matt: THIS was supposed to be the end of Freddy Krueger? You've got to be kidding me. Freddy just didn't seem like Freddy in this one, but I guess I should have expected that after what they did to him in 'The Dream Child'. The continuity of this film was terrible. The story idea had potential, but there was no reference to the previous film and now the eternal question remains-- what became of Alice and her son Jacob? Are we supposed to believe that John Does is, in fact, Jacob? Adding that one little piece to the plot would have made MUCH more sense, and linked it to its predecessors really well. They could have really brought the series full circle in what was supposed to be its concluding chapter, but they failed miserably.

I would have loved to have known more about Freddy's early life (which is more elaborate in the 'Freddy's Nightmares' TV series), but I think they were too concerned with their 3-D effects that they forgot to concentrate on that aspect of the plot. Freddy was too much of a comedian and a wimp in this outing, a far cry from the scary monster he was in Wes Craven's original masterpiece. Robert Englund continued to display his acting chops in this one, expanding his role of Freddy to include the early years. He did this well, but there just wasn't enough of it. The producers got it right casting a female lead, but Lisa Zane was just a bit too old for that role. The cast should have included more youthful teens, especially considering the fact that they were at a YOUTH shelter. As construed, they were passable, but not outstanding, including the debut of comedic actor Breckin Meyer. Again, the actors can only portray what is written on the page, but there just wasn't much substance there. The cameos in the film were a nice touch, including Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper, among others, but it didn't have enough of an influence on the final product.

The music is definitely the only high point of this film. Composer Brian May gave the score a more 'finalistic' touch, and treated it the way it should have been-- seriously. The soundtrack was also well put-together, and included the launch of the Goo Goo Dolls with their song 'I'm Awake Now' and a couple others, as well as the classic stoner song 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' by Iron Butterfly. The closing song 'Freddy's Dead' by Iggy Pop is also well-done and a fitting end during the credits, which included tributes that I actually enjoyed. Still, the tributes don't make up for the hour and a half that came before it. When the music is all you can say that's good in a film, it definitely doesn't say much about the movie itself. It's just not scary, and was definitely a horrible way to conclude the original run of the series. 4 out of 10.

A.J.: This is supposed to be the last Nightmare movie? What? This is supposed to end the legendary Freddy Krueger? What? Please, get real. This movie sux, bottom line. 3 out of 10.


THE FANS

Brian: Worst film in the series. They could've put more backstory on Freddy, but didn't do that. And only 3 kills? The bit with Spencer and the Nintendo stuff was hilarious, any old school fan would've recognized those references, awesome kill. Great soundtrack. 4 out of 10.

Robert: I see nothing wrong with this movie. Freddy having control over a town is an interesting concept like King's book/movie, 'IT'. Here, Freddy goes back to the darkness from which he stepped out of several years earlier. I applaud the performance of Lisa Zane whose presence makes you feel like she's the one to destroy Freddy for good unlike her predecessors. The movie seemed like combining some of the elements of your dreams, fantasies, and daydreams which made into a fun, interesting romp fest. 8 out of 10.


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NOTE: These ratings are of the Lair experts. If you don't agree with us, then you don't know what you're talking about. If you would like your own review added to our fan section, e-mail us at: lairofhorror@yahoo.com and just maybe we will post it here.



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