Cast
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Robert Englund
as Freddy Krueger
Mark Patton
as Jesse Walsh
Kim Myers
as Lisa Webber
Robert Rusler
as Ron Grady
Clu Gulager
as Ken Walsh
Hope Lange
as Cheryl Walsh
Marshall Bell
as Coach Schneider
Melinda O. Fee
as Mrs. Webber
Tom McFadden
as Mr. Webber
Sydney Walsh
as Kerry
Edward Blackoff
as Biology Teacher
Christie Clark
as Angela Walsh
Lyman Ward
as Mr. Grady
Donna Bruce
as Mrs. Grady
Hart Sprager
as Teacher
Crew
Director
- Jack Sholder
Writer
- David Chaskin
Producer
- Robert Shaye
Reviews
John Chard
Possession is nine-tenths of the law.
A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge is the runt of the Elm Street litter. It was unfortunate to be the sequel to a landmark horror film, a film that birthed one of the ultimate horror icons whilst having at its core a terrifying premise. A premise that was superbly executed by all involved in the first film. Part 2 bravely tried to advance the bogeyman story to another level, to one of possession, which in hindsight was a mistake.
There's also the mixed tonal flow and confused intents that hamper the pic. Whilst the young members of the cast are too blank to garner the required amount of sympathy to get us to care about their plight, especially lead lad Mark Patton as Jesse Walsh. However, there is still a lot to like here, some striking imagery grabs the attention and it is not without some unnerving scares.
The debates about what metaphors the makers were going for still exist, and that homo-erotic sheen is never going to go away, but even though it's an average Elm Street movie, it's not as dreadful as it was first painted. 5/10
Oct 11, 2015
tmdb15214618
Freddy's Revenge deserves redemption. If you don't expect a film about Freddy, you can appreciate this sequel for what it is, instead of begrudging it for what it isn't. The argument for a gay reading--the idea that Freddy is symbolic of the protagonist's repressed homosexual desires--isn't entirely convincing but even without it, the movie's a lot better than many credit it. This is a Nightmare on Elm Street story that uses the creature to explore what it feels like to grow up. It's confusing and scary and transformational. Tonal shifts and plot mistakes only contribute to the overall intent.
Jun 26, 2017
Andre Gonzales
The nightmare that started it all. Made us all scared to go to to sleep. My favorite horror series next to Friday the 13th. Love this movie.
Apr 17, 2023
Andre Gonzales
My least favorite out of the series. Didn't like this one because Freddy wasn't really killing any one until the end. He used a live human to kill for him. So it was kind of dumb.
Apr 17, 2023
Andre Gonzales
My least favorite out of the series. Didn't like this one because Freddy wasn't really killing any one until the end. He used a live human to kill for him. So it was kind of dumb.
Apr 17, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jack Sholder brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1985, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 462 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Open Water, which focuses more on action than character development, A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Countdown and Nosferatu explore similar territory, A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 1, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Budget: $3,000,000
- Revenue: $29,999,213
