<P> The film was produced over seven weeks in the Los Angeles area for an approximate budget of $3 million . Kevin Yagher handled Robert Englund's make - up transformation into Freddy, an application which took three hours . Nine sections were used on Freddy's burnt face, with Yagher stating he made the make - up less bulky than in the original film in order to allow more facial movement . </P> <P> The film was the screenwriting debut for 31 - year - old David Chaskin, who attempted to mix humor into the film . New Line asked for a script, and three days later he provided 15 pages, which led to him getting the job . After 10 weeks, three drafts and a polished script had been finished . Chaskin believed that a third Elm Street film should be a prequel, explaining Freddy's childhood . </P> <P> In 1985, the film opened in 614 theaters, making $2.9 million in its opening weekend, coming in fourth place . In the US, the film made $30 million on a budget of $3 million . </P> <P> Critical reaction of the film was initially positive but was met with some criticism . Janet Maslin of The New York Times praised the film, stating that the film has "clever special effects, a good leading performance and a villain so chatty he practically makes this a human - interest story ." The review also gave the lead performances positive reviews, noting "Mr. Patton and Miss Myers make likable teen - age heroes, and Mr. Englund actually turns Freddy into a welcome presence . Clu Gulager and Hope Lange have some good moments as Jesse's parents, and Marshall Bell scowls ferociously as the coach who calls his charges dirtballs and who is eventually attacked by a demonic towel ." Variety gave a positive review, saying "Episodic treatment is punched up by an imaginative series of special effects . The standout is a grisly chest - burster setpiece ." In a negative review, People called the film a "tedious, humorless mess ." </P>

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