It seems like either you love or hate 3D and I have to say that I loved it for Fright Night‘s new remake  — or rather I loved it after I told the theater workers to fix the projection since it was off during the previews.  I firmly believe 3D is best served when used in horror movies.
That said, it isn’t the kind of movie you can only watch in 3D.

The basic plot is the same as the original.  Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) believes his neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell) is a vampire.  He seeks out the help of a supposed vampire expert, Peter Vincent, to kill said neighbor.  The humor fell flat for the most part, but I did giggle some (not nearly as much as the original).  That said as funnier as the original was I loved the new direction of this film and was glad they went darker.  It was a heart-pounding adrenaline rush.  I am glad I didn’t watch the trailer for the film.  Do yourself a favor and skip the trailer.

Seeing Colin Farrell was a happy surprise for me as I didn’t look into the film that much before going.  He could have made or broke this film, but he blew me away.  Having someone that good-looking in the film also a nice change from the original.  Instead of it being campy or cliched Farrell gave one of the best performances of someone truly disturbing that I have ever seen.  He was not so much a vampire as much as he was a serial killer that happened to be a vampire, a thing far more terrifying than any creature alone could be.  Jerry is insanely attractive and charming so knowing what he is doing and that he can still pull off being attractive is frightening in and of itself.

Tony Collette was also amazing as the single mom.  She gave a bit more depth to the story that added a level of terror just due to the believability of her performance.

As always David Tennant was fantastic and brought range to what could have been a pretty static character.  Peter Vincent in the 2011 version is a bit of a Chris-Angel-esk Vegas act.  Tennant brought some humor to what could have been an unfunny movie (although that Ebay line was horrible and forced, I think we all can admit that) and was able to manage to make this role his own.

All in all, I would recommend this movie as long as you expect it to be darker than the original.  While it wasn’t as funny as Zombieland, if you were a fan of that film you should check this out.  And if you haven’t seen the original Fright Night just don’t expect it to actually be frightening…at all.

Fright Night (2011): Official Website

Fright Night (1985): Get it at Your Library!

I am currently sitting at the desk of the Teabrarian herself and I am struck but how much I miss writing.  It is one of those things where this website became something I wanted to do, but I felt pressure to have it be something that was spectacular when at the end of the day as much as I hope others enjoy this website it really is for me just as much as it is for others if I am to be honest.  I hope I can continue to write when I am no longer able to sit at Laura’s desk, but this does seem to help.

This is for anyone that was interrupted when all they wanted to do was read a book.  Enjoy.

And just because I like you weird librarians so much, here are a few more clips from “Portlandia.”  This one is called “Hide and Seek.” Enjoy.  And if you want more go to the Portlandia website.  I highly recommend for librarians “Technology Loop.”  Brilliantly funny.

Enjoy this clip from IFC’s new show Portlandia starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein.  Did you read????

IFC's "Portlandia"

Wikipedia’s founder, Jimmy Wales, recently narrated this infographic video on the “The State of Wikipedia” to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the free and open-to-edit encyclopedia.

Obviously the video highlights other great things about the library, but one of the highlights to me is that the Undergraduate Library at the University of Illinois has one of the best popular viewing DVD collections around.  It has everything from Dark Shadows to Gilmore Girls. When you combine it with the nearby Champaign Public Library‘s collection and many others in the area it is a beautiful thing.

And on the topic of library rapping…We are much more than books these days, but don’t forget the original rap artists that promoted libraries.  What am I saying?!  How could you forget!

So this post isn’t entirely self-promotion here two of my favorite infographic videos that I have found while searching the Internet.  Enjoy!

Janet Leigh in the famous shower scene of "Psycho"

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the theatrical release of the classic Alfred Hitchcock horror film Psycho.  This means that for half a century people have been terrified of taking a shower.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Psycho.  Despite being in a large room of people, I still was affected enough that to this day I tell people that Psycho is the most terrifying movie I have ever seen.

Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is on the run when she stops at the Bates Motel.  There she meets a handsome and mild-mannered young man named Norman (Anthony Perkins) that owns the motel.  Norman tells Janet that he and his mother live on the property, and he feels trapped.  Feeling trapped herself, Janet feels sorry for Norman, who she feels is being controlled by his mother.

Norman Bates and Marion Crane

Most of us have probably seen the shower scene, and know that things don’t look good for Marion’s disappearance, but the tension of the film is masterful.  It certainly has stood the test of time, and is a must for any horror fan that enjoys the psychological terror over a gore-fest.

The movie is being re-released in a special Blu-ray 50th Anniversary edition this fall, but you don’t have to wait to enjoy this classic.

Check this item out at a library near you!

Ghostbuster Agents Hines, Purnell, Lathan, and Scordelis at the New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is facing budget cuts, and they recently had a pesky ghost problem on top of it!  Remember, without a budget, they wouldn’t be able to pay the Ghostbusters!  Think about it.  Here is the video.

Think you would like to make a public spectacle?  Well, certainly you could do one yourself, but if you want to call in the pros, who you gonna call?  How about calling Improve Everywhere.  You can read much more about the ghostbusting at their website.