When everything else fails, Hollywood could always turn to vampires. At least this is conclusion based on the large number of vampire-themed films made in past decade. Vampirism is not only popular, almost timeless, subject, but it also provides film-makers with wide variety of approaches. One of such avenues was explored by Stephen Norrington in his 1998 action film Blade.
David Goyer's script for this film was based on popular comic book series. Protagonist is Eric Brooks (played by Wesley Snipes), man whose entire life had been marked by the traumatic event occurring during his birth. His pregnant mother was bitten by vampire and that resulted in young Brooks becoming hybrid between the man and vampire. Brooks possesses many vampires' strength without being burdened by their weaknesses. This had been noticed by Whistler (played by Kris Kristofersson), old vampire hunter who later became Brooks' mentor and transformed him into Blade - ultimate vampire- killing machine. Blade's anti-vampire crusade proves to be difficult because vampires led by Dragonetti (played by Udo Kier) had amassed wealth and power through millennia and now rule with the help of governments and other powerful human institutions. Another problem for Blade is his own vampire nature that threatens to completely take over and deprive him of humanity. In the meantime, Deacon Frost (played by Stephen Dorff), leader of young vampires, has decided to challenge the established order, dethrone old vampire guard and turn mankind into cattle. Using "cool" night clubs as a way to turn unsuspecting visitors into vampires, Frost has created private army. In the meantime, one of vampires' victims is Dr. Karen Jenson (played by N'Bushe Wright), haematologist whose work could help Blade in finding cure for vampirism.
The vampirism motive of Blade isn't very original, just like the concept of dark, troubled comic book superhero wasn't fresh in late 1990s. But their combination in this film works, mostly thanks to the superb physical skills of Wesley Snipes who portrays character capable to take down monsters while being vulnerable from the inside. Snipes' acting is well-matched by his physical ability and the action scenes are marvel to watch, although in many of them Snipes' martial skills have been combined with the special effects. The result is impressive and all those who like good action films are going to be pleased with Blade.
On the other hand, Goyer's script leaves much to be desired. Ideas like vampires living in symbiosis with human power establishment or revolution within vampires' ranks looked quite original, but they weren't properly explored. The film is also burdened by major plot holes and implausibilities - vampires that try to protect the secret of their existence by butchering people in the middle of street or thousands of years old ancient temple being located under present- day Los Angeles. The acting is, on the other hand, more than adequate for this kind of film. Stephen Dorff is quite good in his role of vampire revolutionary. Veteran Kriss Kristofersson is well-used in his thankless role of hero's mentor (whose fate could be easily guessed by any connoisseur of genre movies), while Udo Kier allows his charisma to be wasted in the one dimensional role. Another waste of talent is Spanish actress Arly Jover in the role of Deacon's companion Mercury. She looks great but talks very little and provides little depth to her character. In many ways this could be said for the film as a whole. However, the film's great look, together with Norrigton's direction and Snipes' martial arts skill, is enough for Blade to be enjoyable film experience.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on May 29th 004)
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