Cruise fantastic in 'Interview with the Vampire'

Interview With The Vampire ****

Images of classic horror villains have haunted generations - the Monster, Dracula, the Wolfman. With the current remake-a-mania that is sweeping Hollywood, some of the old images have tried to come back (Hollywood, please stop before you make a mummy picture). They've tried, but as good as they may be to look at, they just don't strike any fear into the heart.

A horror movie becomes a classic when it makes you afraid to turn your back to the rest of the room, or to take a shower for a week. It should be something that is not clichˇ or, better yet, something that defies clichˇ. There is too much myth surrounding vampires for their legends to remain plausible in these modern times of truth seeking and Hard Copy media. Give us the facts. Give us an interview.

The vampires in Interview dispel some of the traditional vampire myths. They can see themselves in the mirror and the stake through the heart bit is just one of "the delusions of a mad Irishman." But here's a question: if Louis can kill a vampire with a sickle, how come a wooden stake wouldn't have worked? The film leaves the rules of death for vampires very sketchy, which, I believe, makes them all the more frightening. If a vampire comes into your room, you can't just grab the old crucifix and show it to him, or wear garlic around your neck. It's back to the old "What the hell do I do?" question. That's a scary question to be asking when a vampire's tugging on your collar.

Tom Cruise is fantastic as Lestat. It is easy to see how he changed the nay-saying Anne Rice's opinion of his casting. As Louis, Brad Pitt gives another reason for critics to give him acclaim. He's a very strong actor. My pick for new leading man of the decade, however, is Christian Slater. He plays a small but interesting role. I want to see him in more movies. Kristin Dundst as Claudia is a wonderful little savage who knows exactly how to handle her role: ferociously.

But, really, no matter what you think of the ending, or the film, or the acting, just remember to check the back seat of your car before you get in. The film is showing at Regal East Town Crossing 8.

Video Pick: Nosferatu (1922) or Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)