BellaOnline Forums TV and Movies Horror Movies Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark

I recently saw the re-make of the made for TV 1973 horror movie 'Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark' and I thought it was really, really well done.

I don't usually give re-makes the time of day, but the original is very dated and a made for TV movie - though it should have been cinema released. I thought the acting was superb in the new one, just like in the original. Katie Holmes was a shock for me, as I found I really loved her character and she actually acted her socks off.

My only issue was - it just wasn't as scary as the original starring Kim Darby. The little monsters in that (see picture below) were SO much more scary, the music was more scary, their whispered voices were more scary.

Too much CGI was used in the re-make and it took away from the monsters evil - plus the silliness of them eating teeth, although a good play towards the tooth fairy didn't work for me. Both versions are good, but if you want to be really terrified and menaced by those little creatures - watch the original. Though I must say, the new film is superb as well. The creatures just aren't as terrifying.

I would say to anyone to go and see the new film, as it's different enough if you have seen the original, and is just a well made film - plus the major change is Sally being a little girl instead of a woman - so both films play on different fears. Awesome scary movies which go back to the roots of scary old houses and what lurks in them.

I am not one to watch horror movies too often, but this one sounds good! I will have to watch it. That picture of the little monster is scary, kind of disturbing in a way -- it is the eyes!

With Sally being a little girl rather than a woman, does that put stronger fear/emotions into the plot? I never saw the original, but do know that Kim Darby could really put a lot of emotion and fear into her expressions and acting.

I personally preffered Sally being a woman because it was a more a case of them messing with her mind and her questioning her sanitu and everyone thinking she was crazy. With the little girl, you know what they are and so - you know what it is right from the start, where the original built and built with fear and questioning - I still liked it, just a completley different version.

I thought that movie was horrible! And that ending is one of the worst of all time! I could not wait for it to end then when that ending arrived I got very angry, I won't see that movie again that's for sure (there are many more worst but that ending...oh my i hate it!!!). I would like to see the original though.

I love it when ppl get so passionate about a film - it means it's really got to them I think