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‘Prom Night’ a safe slasher flick
Screen Gems’ “Prom Night” was dressed to impress as it debuted as the No. 1 film at the box office this weekend.
The remake of the 1980 film attracted $22.7 million from moviegoers over the last three days.
Our film begins three years in the past, as young Donna Keppel (Brittany Snow) comes home from a movie and witnesses her mother being murdered by her obsessive teacher Richard Fenton (Jonathan Schaech). While her father and brother are already dead, Donna survives by hiding underneath the bed.
Mr. Fenton believes that his student Donna belongs to him and is willing to do anything to make sure that happens.
Three years later, Donna, who now lives with her aunt and uncle, is still having nightmares about the incident. However, she decides to put all of that aside to head to her senior prom.
So Donna, her boyfriend Bobby (Scott Porter), Lisa (Dana Davis), her boyfriend Ronnie (Collins Pennie), Claire (Jessica Stroup), and her boyfriend Michael (Kelly Blatz) all head to prom for the best night of their lives.
Yes, they’re in the limo and taking plenty of pictures and having a grand ole time. But little do they realize that danger is waiting for them at their destination.
The vengeful Fenton escapes from a maximum security prison and is longing to reunite with his long lost love.
With a newly shaven look, Fenton arrives at the Pacific Grand Hotel, manages to find out what floor Donna and her friends are staying on, and the body count soon begins.
First, it was the chambermaid, and then a student here and there. In the meantime, the police finally discover that Fenton is on the loose.
Detective Winn (Idris Elba) leads the charge over to the hotel, and although he sets up a good game plan, Fenton is still lurking about in his efforts to get at Donna.
“Prom Night” isn’t your typical slasher film because you don’t actually see a lot of hardcore slashing. Yes, you’ll see the occasional spray of blood, but you don’t see full blown stabbing and slashing.
These changes kept this film’s rating at PG-13, allowing some youngsters to see this when they wouldn’t have had the opportunity otherwise.
Snow does an excellent job as Donna, who obviously is still traumatized from witnessing her mother’s murder. She is literally terrified of Fenton, even after three years, despite the knowledge that he was supposed to still be incarcerated.
The rest of the young cast is somewhat forgettable, except for Davis’ Lisa, who has to deal with the popular rich girl for Prom Queen. While you end up rooting that she’ll win, it is a bit disappointing to discover that she isn’t around long enough to enjoy it.
Schaech’s Fenton is downright creepy. He steals every scene simply with a glare from underneath the rim of his ball cap. You’d hope that someone would recognize him, but he manages to get in and out of places with relative ease.
Some of the scares in “Prom Night” are hokey, but they are consistently hokey. In other words, there isn’t a lot of thought put into the scares, but they are consistent and effective. How many times does someone close the mirrored medicine cabinet door expecting to see Fenton’s face? You’ll have to watch to find out.
So while there is no need to get all dressed up for this film, “Prom Night” is definitely suitable at three out of four stars.
“Prom Night” is rated PG-13 for violence and terror, some sexual material, underage drinking and language. Running time is 1 hour, 28 minutes.
Last week’s No. 1, Sony Pictures “21” lost its hand on top and slipped to No. 3 with $11 million — its three week talley is now at $62.2 million.
Universal Pictures’ “Leatherheads” remains in the game at No. 5 with $6.2 million and $22 million over the last ten days.
20th Century Fox’s “Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears A Who” fell from fourth to fifth place with $6 million — which brought its five-week total to $140 million.
For more information and show times, contact Regal Cinemas Marketplace 24, 180 Mill Road, Oaks, at 610-666-6697.
posted by
Dennis J. Wright can be reached at dwright@phoenixvillenews.com.
The remake of the 1980 film attracted $22.7 million from moviegoers over the last three days.
Our film begins three years in the past, as young Donna Keppel (Brittany Snow) comes home from a movie and witnesses her mother being murdered by her obsessive teacher Richard Fenton (Jonathan Schaech). While her father and brother are already dead, Donna survives by hiding underneath the bed.
Mr. Fenton believes that his student Donna belongs to him and is willing to do anything to make sure that happens.
Three years later, Donna, who now lives with her aunt and uncle, is still having nightmares about the incident. However, she decides to put all of that aside to head to her senior prom.
So Donna, her boyfriend Bobby (Scott Porter), Lisa (Dana Davis), her boyfriend Ronnie (Collins Pennie), Claire (Jessica Stroup), and her boyfriend Michael (Kelly Blatz) all head to prom for the best night of their lives.
Yes, they’re in the limo and taking plenty of pictures and having a grand ole time. But little do they realize that danger is waiting for them at their destination.
The vengeful Fenton escapes from a maximum security prison and is longing to reunite with his long lost love.
With a newly shaven look, Fenton arrives at the Pacific Grand Hotel, manages to find out what floor Donna and her friends are staying on, and the body count soon begins.
First, it was the chambermaid, and then a student here and there. In the meantime, the police finally discover that Fenton is on the loose.
Detective Winn (Idris Elba) leads the charge over to the hotel, and although he sets up a good game plan, Fenton is still lurking about in his efforts to get at Donna.
“Prom Night” isn’t your typical slasher film because you don’t actually see a lot of hardcore slashing. Yes, you’ll see the occasional spray of blood, but you don’t see full blown stabbing and slashing.
These changes kept this film’s rating at PG-13, allowing some youngsters to see this when they wouldn’t have had the opportunity otherwise.
Snow does an excellent job as Donna, who obviously is still traumatized from witnessing her mother’s murder. She is literally terrified of Fenton, even after three years, despite the knowledge that he was supposed to still be incarcerated.
The rest of the young cast is somewhat forgettable, except for Davis’ Lisa, who has to deal with the popular rich girl for Prom Queen. While you end up rooting that she’ll win, it is a bit disappointing to discover that she isn’t around long enough to enjoy it.
Schaech’s Fenton is downright creepy. He steals every scene simply with a glare from underneath the rim of his ball cap. You’d hope that someone would recognize him, but he manages to get in and out of places with relative ease.
Some of the scares in “Prom Night” are hokey, but they are consistently hokey. In other words, there isn’t a lot of thought put into the scares, but they are consistent and effective. How many times does someone close the mirrored medicine cabinet door expecting to see Fenton’s face? You’ll have to watch to find out.
So while there is no need to get all dressed up for this film, “Prom Night” is definitely suitable at three out of four stars.
“Prom Night” is rated PG-13 for violence and terror, some sexual material, underage drinking and language. Running time is 1 hour, 28 minutes.
Last week’s No. 1, Sony Pictures “21” lost its hand on top and slipped to No. 3 with $11 million — its three week talley is now at $62.2 million.
Universal Pictures’ “Leatherheads” remains in the game at No. 5 with $6.2 million and $22 million over the last ten days.
20th Century Fox’s “Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears A Who” fell from fourth to fifth place with $6 million — which brought its five-week total to $140 million.
For more information and show times, contact Regal Cinemas Marketplace 24, 180 Mill Road, Oaks, at 610-666-6697.
posted by
Dennis J. Wright can be reached at dwright@phoenixvillenews.com.
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