Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985)

               

Title: Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge

Release Date: November 1st, 1985

Director: Jack Sholder

Writer: David Chaskin, Wes Craven (characters)

Starring: Kim Myers, Mark Patton, Robert Englund

Genre: Horror, (comedy?)

Sometimes referred to as the "gayest Nightmare movie of the series", this second film featuring our beloved child murdering Fred Krueger has a bit more to offer than just laughs. Beautiful lighting design and thoughtful (though mostly hokey) special effects make this shitty film shine at moments.
                I love the entire design of this film. Right of the bat, it opens with an elaborate nightmare sequence that features a bus with teens inside teetering precariously on a rock formation above a dark abyss in the earth(all matte painting and special effects me thinks). My explanation doesn't make sense or do the scene justice. The colors are amazing and they remain throughout the film. Set decoration is both painful and wonderful, perfectly capturing that sitcom level production that directors like Wes Craven are famous for. The lighting signals dream-scapes perfectly, a reoccurring and incredibly successful effect they use all through the series.
              Story and writing are obviously shit. C'mon. There are so many plot holes and nonsensical moments that you just have to let the logic of it sort of go wayside and just let the experience wash over you. Plus, it makes it a lot of fun to watch and just laugh at the ridiculous one liners and horrible acting. Just brilliant. Keep an eye out for the incredible dance/room cleaning montage. Eisenstein would be so proud.
              Let's also spend a quick second talking about that fucking wardrobe. So, so, so beautiful! The pool party scene is a dream. The bathing suits and beachy cover ups are to die for. Specifically pay close attention to the main love interest's, Lisa's, outfits, makeup and jewelry. I included a sketch below of how her earrings made me feel(very very very good). Just a great job all around on capturing the bourgeois 80's suburban swagger.
                This film is just a really fun time. It's also a male (victim) lead in a horror film which is something that this genre usually shy's away from. Beautiful visuals, some funny Freddy dialogue, incredible lighting, and amazing '80s prop, makeup and costumes makes this film a super must see for any horror/comedy/high school movie fans. Just be sure to watch the first one before so you know how awesome the series actually started.