2010 Geek Fright Fest: 30 Days of Night

30 Days of Night (2007)
Rated R (for violence, gore, and language)

Directed by David Slade

Starring:
Josh Hartnett
Melissa George
Danny Huston
Ben Foster

30 Days of Night is based on the graphic novel of the same name, written by Steve Niles and illustrated by Ben Templesmith. Once a year Barrow, Alaska experiences a 30 day period of total darkness. Some of the townspeople leave for more populated areas, but for those that decide to stay, a nightmare has begun. A group of vampires has been led to the town by The Stranger (Ben Foster) for a lengthy, uninterrupted feast. Barrow's sheriff Eben Oleson (Josh Hartnett) must lead a small band of survivors - including his ex-wife Stella (Melissa George) - to safety before the entire town is decimated.

The darkness and blizzard-like conditions do wonders setting the mood for this film. Things start to go wrong from the beginning, but it starts out as petty vandalism and escalates quickly into brutal violence, first against animals . . . and then towards people. The majority of the movie was shot with a day-to-night effect, which enhances the creepiness.

The vampires are nothing short of bad ass in this flick. They are fast, bloodthirsty, and vicious - just as vampires should be. There is nothing romantic or beautiful about them and they leave a wake of carnage behind. I highly recommend this film for horror fans, vampire lovers, and comic book/graphic novel enthusiasts.

Foster's performance in this movie is a departure for him. He started out as a child actor and appeared in several teen comedies as he got older. He does in excellent job in this film and is very effective as the disgusting and disturbing Stranger. His role is small, but he makes the most of it. I fully expect him to have an awesome career as an accomplished character actor. Harnett is also good, but it is Danny Huston in the role of the lead vampire, Marlowe, that shines the brightest. Even without having any real lines, Huston is terrifying in his ruthlessness.

Fright Rating: 3 gasps out of a possible five

This film is very bloody and the frenzied violence makes it a flick for those with strong stomachs who don't mind fast paced scares. It's Rated R for some pretty extreme blood and guts.