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Watching Netflix’s “Fear Street: Prom Queen” is like being encouraged to check out a less-known 1980s movie featuring Jamie Lee Curtis. As the fourth film in Netflix’s trilogy adapted from R.L. Stine’s books, this slasher is set in 1988 and revolves around a mysterious killer targeting the prom queen candidates at Shadyside High on their senior prom night. The movie stars India Fowler, Suzanna Son, Fina Strazza, David Iacono, Ella Rubin, Chris Klein, Ariana Greenblatt, Lili Taylor, and Katherine Waterston.

In contrast to the original Fear Street trilogy, which garnered mainly favorable reviews from critics, Netflix’s new Fear Street movie has sparked renewed enthusiasm for movies about high school proms and horror. This subgenre can be traced back to Brian De Palma’s Carrie from 1976, an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1974 debut novel. Though Carrie is the cornerstone of prom horror films, there are numerous other titles that have significantly influenced this genre over time.

Netflix’s Fear Street: Prom Queen Is A Reminder To Revisit Jamie Lee Curtis In Prom Night

It’s A Cult Classic Horror Movie

Netflix’s “Fear Street: Prom Queen” offers a nod to re-explore Jamie Lee Curtis in “Prom Night.” Directed by Paul Lynch and written by William Gray with a story conceptualized by Robert Guza Jr. (“General Hospital”), this 1980 slasher movie focuses on a group of high school seniors who, during their prom night, find themselves hunted by a masked killer seeking revenge for the accidental death of a girl six years earlier. The cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis along with Leslie Nielsen, Casey Stevens, Eddie Benton, Mary Beth Rubens, and Michael Tough.

Similar to “Fear Street: Prom Queen”, when “Prom Night” was launched in 1980, it garnered predominantly negative feedback from critics who found it lacking compared to the earlier prom-themed horror movie, “Carrie”, and a previous Jamie Lee Curtis slasher, “Halloween”. Critics such as Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert were among its harshest critics, with Siskel describing it as a “diluted blend” of “Carrie” and “Halloween”. Both were vocal about their disapproval of the movie’s portrayal of violence against young women. Other criticisms included the film’s predictable narrative and underutilization of its dance hall setting, leading to a rather ordinary and unoriginal thriller.

Despite receiving negative initial reception, the movie “Prom Night” has since been reevaluated in a contemporary context and is now regarded as a cult classic horror film. Over time, this movie has amassed a dedicated fanbase who appreciate it for its horror aspects and disco soundtrack. Notably, many film scholars consider it one of the most significant slasher films from its era. Although “Carrie” was released before it, “Prom Night” paved the way for future prom-themed slasher movies by featuring a masked avenger seeking revenge.

Why Prom Night Is Still An Underrated Horror Movie

Jamie Lee Curtis Delivers A Superb Performance

Despite receiving poor initial reception and gaining a dedicated following much later on, Prom Night continues to be an underappreciated horror film today, often overshadowed by the success of its contemporary, Halloween. However, Jamie Lee Curtis delivers a remarkable portrayal in this movie as Kim Hammond, a character who is both self-assured and fragile. As the popular student, she navigates the vast and hollow hallways of her high school with confidence, but also reveals a hidden sorrow. Her role as the final girl transcends mere survival, showcasing a subdued yet poignant mourning.

What sets Prom Night apart as underrated is its unique blend of horror and comedy, subtly injecting humor into tense scenes. The film’s heavy disco dancing sequences, over-the-top teenage drama, and some amusingly gruesome deaths suggest that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Although not everyone may find it appealing, true horror enthusiasts should either enjoy or recognize the elements that make Prom Night one of the most impactful slasher films from its time.

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2025-05-28 19:39