When the oft forgotten horror anthology series 'Freddy's Nightmares' first aired in 1989, it debuted with origin story of Freddy Krueger. News of seeing Freddy before he became the terrifying dream demon of Elm Street was like Easter and Christmas coming all at once for horror fans. And the cherry on top was that horror legend Tobe Hooper (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Poltergeist, Death Trap) was in the director's chair. Currently, this episode is still the closest thing we have to an official prequel (sans the flashbacks in 'Freddy's Dead'). So you would think "No More Mr. Nice Guy" would hold a high ranking place in the Elm St. Canon with fans as opposed the being confined to horror obscurity. Unfortunately, what should have been a killer opening for the series, is just a very below average late 1980's horror television show that looks more and more dated as time passes.
Hooper (straight off the chaotic flop 'Chainsaw 2'), almost completely abandons his usual anarchic and colourful visual smarts and delivers something that's very bland (sadly a sign of the depths he would later sink to as a direct-to- video director). The cinematography is straight low-budget cable, with cameras nailed to the floor. The few scenes with Hooper's trademark colour and lighting, is countered by the many scenes of cheesy VHS standard filters and cheap frame-by-frame slow motion that's better suited to a third-tier hair metal band on mid 80's MTV.
Englund's presence is nice, but with no decent dialogue , special effects and 80's TV censorship standards, he can do nothing else but go into auto-pilot mode and make the best out of some weak one-liners. Fans of the series will be disappointed that none of the characters from the first movie (such as Lt. Donald Thompson) are to be seen. However, it did provide fans at the time a basic (if disguised by shadows) look at pre-burnt Freddy until two years later in Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare.
But the most noticeable issue with this episode is the appalling acting, most notability, the wooden performance given by lead actor Ian Patrick Williams (as Lt. Blocker - the cop who, while arresting Krueger, forgets to read him his Miranda Rights which leads to Krueger's release(!)). Since the story centres around Broker, his jilted, zombie like delivery completely throws off scenes to the point of being an annoyance.
One positive highlight is Hili Park's performance (Merit Blocker - Blocker's daughter) who does give a creepy performance as the Krueger survivor.
Overall, its a a huge disappointment if you're looking for a definitive prequel. Only worth it for hardcore fans who want to check out a time capsule from the 'Freddy-mania' days.
Hooper (straight off the chaotic flop 'Chainsaw 2'), almost completely abandons his usual anarchic and colourful visual smarts and delivers something that's very bland (sadly a sign of the depths he would later sink to as a direct-to- video director). The cinematography is straight low-budget cable, with cameras nailed to the floor. The few scenes with Hooper's trademark colour and lighting, is countered by the many scenes of cheesy VHS standard filters and cheap frame-by-frame slow motion that's better suited to a third-tier hair metal band on mid 80's MTV.
Englund's presence is nice, but with no decent dialogue , special effects and 80's TV censorship standards, he can do nothing else but go into auto-pilot mode and make the best out of some weak one-liners. Fans of the series will be disappointed that none of the characters from the first movie (such as Lt. Donald Thompson) are to be seen. However, it did provide fans at the time a basic (if disguised by shadows) look at pre-burnt Freddy until two years later in Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare.
But the most noticeable issue with this episode is the appalling acting, most notability, the wooden performance given by lead actor Ian Patrick Williams (as Lt. Blocker - the cop who, while arresting Krueger, forgets to read him his Miranda Rights which leads to Krueger's release(!)). Since the story centres around Broker, his jilted, zombie like delivery completely throws off scenes to the point of being an annoyance.
One positive highlight is Hili Park's performance (Merit Blocker - Blocker's daughter) who does give a creepy performance as the Krueger survivor.
Overall, its a a huge disappointment if you're looking for a definitive prequel. Only worth it for hardcore fans who want to check out a time capsule from the 'Freddy-mania' days.