I never saw the 1973 original, but a quick look on youtube shows that there are some of the same scenes, just a different take on them in del Toro's version. Del Toro has a backstory to his creatures, as written in Blackwood's Guide to Dangerous Fairies. This book serves as a "prequel" of sorts to the movie, ending right at the scene where the movie begins. If you plan on seeing the movie, you may want to get the book first; I got the e-version but I've a strong suspicion that you should shell out the $$ for a hardcover/paperback copy, with beautiful (and creepy) illustrations to get the full effect.
Okay, so -- you know a horror movie is good when 3 things happen: (1) you jump in your seat; (2) you have to use the "finger filters" over your eyes to block some scenes, and (3) you hesitate before you turn out the lights and go to bed that night. All three of these happened when I saw Don't Be Afraid, so I highly recommend it.
The premise? Emerson Blackwood built a huge, beautiful mansion in Rhode Island, which is now being renovated by Guy Pierce and Katie Holmes, in the hopes of landing the cover on Architectural Digest and reviving Pierce's career. They are not man and wife, but boyfriend/girlfriend, and Pierce's daughter from a previous relationship is coming to stay with them for a while.
The girl, Sally, is disturbed and morose -- she feels her mother abandoned her, sending her all the way across the country to live with Dad and his younger girlfriend, Kim, to whom Sally takes an immediate dislike. Of course, as an unhappy child, Sally is easy prey to certain... inhabitants... of the house who have long remained dormant, but come alive when a secret room is discovered and a child's voice is heard.
The movie is good not just from a scary standpoint -- it's very well laid-out and well-directed so that the story flows with no unnecessary scenes, and the suspense is intense. The characters are not the typical cardboard cut-outs or stereotypes as in alot of horror movies; they have backgrounds, depth, and feelings that encompass fleshed-out people. I will say that Guy Pierce's character, though well-acted, is a bit annoying. Katie Holmes is very good as the girlfriend, and the child actor is superb in the role originated by Kim Darby (hmm, wonder if that's why the girlfriend's name is Kim in the movie?!). And you do need interesting characters in this movie, because it does take a standard plot -- disturbed child is haunted by what everyone else thinks is her imagination, and she spends the movie dodging the real monsters and trying to convince Dad and Kim to leave the house because....
The monsters -- let me just say that every time I hear "tooth fairy", I shudder. I'm not sure I'll be celebrating that tradition in my house when the time comes...
All in all -- buy the book, see the movie; they're spectacular!
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