Reviewer's grade: A-
"Spider-Man" director Sam Raimi started up Ghost House Pictures as a shingle for scary movies. After a consistently underwhelming slate that has included "The Grudge," "The Grudge 2," "Boogeyman" and "The Messengers," he finally delivers —? and big —? with "30 Days of Night," based on the same-named graphic novel. Josh Hartnett — like you've never seen him before (i.e., good) —? plays the sheriff to Alaska's northernmost tiny town, one that becomes an extended, all-you-can-eat buffet for a team of vampires when the sun goes down for four whole weeks.
Following up the psychological thriller "Hard Candy," director David Slade proves himself as possessing a terrific eye for visuals and a skilled knack for building intensity. Sharp where other horror films are dull and smart where they're stupid, "30 Days" establishes itself as a remarkably good two hours of shocks and suspense. It's one of the best vampire films ever made, and certain to be a perennial Halloween favorite.
—Rod Lott
