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Oct 01, 2010 By Iain Stasukevich Web Exclusive

There’s an almost overwhelming inclination to pit one’s appreciation for this remake against the merits of the original Swedish film, Let the Right One In, but the truth is that the two films are so similar that any comparison will simply boil down to a matter of preference.

Where the American remake differs is in the aesthetic. Like the original, Let Me In is more a love story about two 12 year olds—Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee) and Abby (Chloë Grace Moretz)—than it is a traditional vampire tale, and director Matt Reeves favors a more cinematic approach, leaning on familiar genre tropes to enhance the horror film subtext.

Taken at face value, Let Me In is a solid film. It’s well-directed and beautifully shot. Smit-McPhee and Moretz are believable in their roles as an innocent but troubled young boy and an innocent-looking but monstrous young girl. The film is patient with its revelations, and only in a few instances does it break from its subtle approach with an exciting car crash or a heavily CGI-enhanced moment.

The only problem with the movie is that bearing such a close resemblance to its predecessor, it feels like a redundant effort. Very little in the way of new ideas are presented, and other than the departure in style, there seems to be no reason for this film to exist; after all, Let the Right One In is as close to a perfect vampire film made in recent memory, meaning the best reason to go out and see Let Me In is also the best reason to stay at home and watch the original, instead. (www.letmein-movie.com)

Author rating: 6/10