The biggest issue that, I think, everyone will mention about the A Nightmare on Elm Street remake is a lack of Robert Englund in his iconic role as Freddy Krueger. I, myself, would have also liked to see him reprise his role, but I understand that there will come a time when he'll need to be recast for the series to carry on with itself. Jackie Earle Hayley does some with what he is given. The only issue I have with him is the appearance and voice not being exactly what I would have liked. Still, overall, I don't really have that much of an issue with his performance.
My issues with the film are with the cinematography and the lack of innovative contribution to the old narrative. Let's start off with the cinematography – I believe it was too dark and gloomy for the film. It was an interesting approach, but it ended up subtracting from the overall look-and-feel. As for the lack of innovation, unlike, for example, Friday the 13th's remake, which is essentially a retelling that contributes new scenes and characters, A Nightmare on Elm Street's brings a been-there, done-that vibe by replicating classic moments and pasting them into the film.
Elm Street has the best antagonist in horror history, bar-none, for the simple fact of what he is capable of. I am not saying he has achieved the best films or scenes, but I am saying he will always have that type of psychedelic potential. This film does nothing with it, and while there are some story elements I do like, that's what ultimately caused the film to fail. Still, I don't think it was a terrible film, and in-fact, I don't think it's the worst in the series.
