Review Session: Never Sleep Again

So, friends, I have a rather unique review for you today, to make up for my absence over the last week or so. Today, we'll take a ride through your nightmares with a look at the documentary feature Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy. 

1, 2, Freddy's coming for you...
I'll just come out and say it. Never Sleep Again is a phenomenal documentary. If you couldn't already tell, it's all about the Nightmare on Elm Street horror film franchise. It was timed for release along with the 2010 reboot (which was largely a waste of time and money, unfortunately). But don't let not being a horror fan turn you off from this experience. Also, don't let the word 'documentary' scare you away. If you have even the slightest interest in filmmaking, horror movies, writing, storytelling, special effects, or just movies in general, there's something here for you - perhaps several somethings.

3, 4, Better lock your door...
A Nightmare on Elm Street started as the brainchild of Wes Craven, the now-legendary horror director, when he was just getting started in the business. It spawned 7 sequels as well as a spinoff TV series, and fueled the rise of New Line Cinema company. Never Sleep Again tells the story from start to finish,and spins a fascinating tale. It features interviews with Wes Craven, Bob Shay (CEO of New Line), Robert Englund (who played Freddy Krueger) as well as the directors and most major cast members of every Nightmare film. We learn about everything, from the inspirations for the story, to behind the scenes trials and tribulations (of which there were quite a few), to details of some of the most original and groundbreaking stunt and special effects work of the 1980's and 90's.

5, 6, grab your crucifix...
I won't dive into too many more details here, but suffice it to say, this documentary is absolutely worth the watch. It delves deeply into what can make a great movie - or stop one from being made. We learn how a little horror movie, made on a shoestring budget, turned into a veritable cash cow and turned New Line Cinema from a tiny independent film studio into a true competitor in the movie business.

7, 8, Stay up late...
Highlights for me included:

•  in-depth looks at special effects work (including building a room that rotated 180 degrees).
• Interviews with Robert Englund, an actor who clearly just loves what he's doing and had dozens of stories to share about every film in the franchise.
• Info on a never-developed script written for Nightmare 6...by none other than Peter Jackson. 

9, 10, never sleep again...

   Clocking in at an eye-widening four hours, the doc is something best digested in a few sittings, but is completely satisfying and interesting from beginning to end.