Let Me In - a Win? (ComiCon)

Speaking of Cloverfield, isn't that Adam with JJ Abrahms?

LET ME IN PANEL WINS OVER A SEEMINGLY SKEPTICAL CROWD (2010 COMIC-CON)

When word surfaced that the Swedish gem Let the Right One In was going to get an American make over, the response was less than enthusiastic. Upon hearing that the film would be made by Cloverfield helmer Matt Reeves, confusion set in amongst many a film-goer. Consider me one of the folks who loved Cloverfield. Regardless of your feelings toward Cloverfield, Reeves seemed like an odd choice for a Let the Right One In redo. So, the pressure was certainly on the director to deliver. There wasn't a lot buzz surrounding the Let Me In panel, but most of the fans who were on hand for the big Warner Brothers presentation shortly before, hung around. There were also plenty of attendees hanging out to get a good seat for the big Marvel presentation later on in the day. Yes, you're reading it correctly. Let Me in was sandwiched between high profile panels for Warner Brothers and Marvel Studios. That's a tough spot to be in. Happily, Let Me In made for one of the most entertaining panels of the day. I absolutely loved how Reeves carried himself. He was articulate and passionate, and while I could have listened to this insightful film maker/film fan speak for hours, the jury was still out on the film itself.

There are some industry folks who've already seen it--including panel moderator and hitfix.com writer Drew McWeeny--and the word has been positive. These reactions coupled with the recent release of the atmospheric trailer have slowly begun to alter skeptics' opinions, but after seeing the footage at this panel, I've gone from being curious about the film to putting it on my must see list. For those unfamiliar with the John Ajvide Lindqvist book or the Swedish film inspired by it, Let Me In tells the story of a chance encounter between a picked on boy and the young female vampire who would ultimately become his friend. The boy is played by The Road's Kodi Smit-McPhee and the vampire is played by Chloe Moretz of Kick Ass fame. Both were in attendance as was co-star Richard Jenkins.

We were shown two scenes from the film. One was a dramatic bit involving the two young leads having a conversation over a pack of Now n' Laters, and the other sequence was a tension filled nail biter that uses the interior of a car as its setting. I'm being vague, but with good reason. You're better off going into this one blind. Following the footage, Reeves revealed that he incorporated elements from the film version of Let the Right One In and the Lindqvist book (as was the case with both, this version takes place in the 80's and uses a snow filled backdrop). He also said that what really attracted him to this story was the friendship between the two children as opposed to the horror element. Let Me In does look intense, but there's great drama in there too. With the potential one two punch of Cloverfield and Let Me In, Reeves is clearly a talent to keep your eye on. Let Me In opens on October 1st.

Here's a look at Let Me In;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjavOLdPk1c