After a series of surprisingly strong sequels, the Freddy Krueger series lands on its ass in this purported final entry. Director Rachel Talalay, who worked as a producer on the previous installments of the series, takes the lead here and steers the train head-first into a brick wall: Combining the what-is-real atmosphere of “Twin Peaks” along with the zaniness of an episode of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” the movie has little to offer longtime Krueger fans, and plays out instead like a live-action episode of “Tom and Jerry.” By the time the rushed, clumsy climax finally arrives, it’s hard to stay engaged because everything that’s come before has been downright silly and groan-inducing. A credits sequence with key scenes from the series set to Iggy Pop’s “Why Was I Born” is the lone highlight of this dreadful sequel… but all that being said, I have to admit I find it impressively bold: It throws mismatched ideas at the screen over and over, and part of its energy feels almost gonzo, so kudos to Talalay for her willingness to “go there” with this intended series finale.
Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)
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