I said yesterday this was going to be the weekend of Freddy, so today’s choice should come as no surprise. The one-two punch of yesterday’s Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and today’s Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, are about as great as a sequel combo gets. This movie is another absolute blast. Here is the brief IMDB synopsis:
Freddy Krueger returns once again to terrorize the dreams of the remaining Dream Warriors, as well as those of a young woman who may be able to defeat him for good.
All you have to know about this flick is that it was directed by Renny Harlin. It was one of his earliest directing gigs, and his skills are showcased everywhere here. Continuing the storyline from Part 3, it rolls right in to things. Freddy finds a way to come back and wreak havoc all over again (with evil dog pee? Sure. Just go with it.) Introducing the Dream Master, this one really digs deep into the dream connections, including an “eternal loop” segment that blew my mind when I originally saw it. Freddy is chock full of his puns in this one. In fact, sometimes it seems that’s the only way he’s communicating. And yet, somehow I’m fine with it. This is pure “funny” Freddy so just lean into it. This one has everything from waterbed kills (a nice homage to the bed kill in the original) to drug syringe kills. But for my money, this movie also has my all-time favorite Freddy kill. It’s so elaborate and imaginative that I don’t even know where it came from. I mean, it starts with a horrific weight lighting accident and ends with a skin-melting roach transformation. I give it a slow clap every time I see it. Just magical. Anyway, give this baby a whirl (a great marathon with Part 3) and you’ll have an amazing time.
Where to Watch: Strangely not streaming anywhere free, but worth buying the cheap PPV.
Food/Drink Pairing: A good diner hamburger and a milkshake.
Musings of a Scary Horror Writer. 