Since it's release in 1985 this tongue-in-cheek vampire flick has certainly gained a cult audience and it's mostly thanks to being solidly acted by all, having some pleasingly gooey effects (like the meltdown moment), and the fact it never takes itself seriously. In fact it's one of the more enjoyably goofy films in a crop of 80's vampire movies that would include Vamp, Near Dark, and The Lost Boys.

It's "the boy who cried vampire" as horror movie freak Charlie Brewster (William Ragsdale) starts becoming suspicious of new next door neighbour Chris Sarandon. Soon enough he's convinced (and rightly so - since he sees a near neck bite when spying one evening) that Sarandon's a vampire, so he recruits washed-up horror icon Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall, who steals the show) to help him stop the bloodsucker.

Along for the ride is girlfriend Amanda Bearse (who'd go on to mild success in TV's Married...With Children) and weirdo friend Stephen Geoffreys (who not only gets to goof off, but also gets some of the best lines - "You're so cool, Brewster!").

While it's a little leisurely paced, at least until McDowall's character shows-up, it makes-up for it with an entertaining monster movie throwdown finale (that has meltdowns, impalings, people transforming all over the place, and a whole lot of sunlight) and a pulp-y approach to the material. Plus there's one catchy title song in the end credits by J. Geils Band.

Writer-director Tom Holland would next help to start one of horror's most recognizable franchises by helming the first Child's Play movie.

Followed by a sequel. (Chris Hartley, 1/13/05)

Directed By: Tom Holland.
Written By: Tom Holland.

Starring: Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Roddy McDowall, Amanda Bearse.