It’s not hard to figure out why this stylish 1987 vampire movie has endured in pop culture across three decades. Director Joel Schumacher frames many shots like he were directing a top-of-the-line music video instead of a feature, and while usually that results in style-over-substance tedium, it’s the perfect approach here. The plot is pure pulp pablum framed within the conventions of both vampire and teen movies, and it’s blessed with a likable cast that brings the rather thin screenplay to life. Jason Patric and Corey Haim are well-paired as brothers, but it’s Dianne Wiest who steals every scene as their warm, charismatic mother. The extraordinary soundtrack, which features stand-out tracks like Gerard McMann’s “Cry Little Sister” and Tim Cappello’s “I Still Believe,” is the icing on the cake.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
