Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Comic book extravaganza: #10: Blade

1998

Staring: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, Donal Logue, Udo Kier, Traci Lords
Director: Stephen Norrington


Coming in at #10 in my top comic book adaptation list is Blade. Blade seems to get the short end of the stick and a lot of flack. It’s nothing great – but then again honestly not a lot really are. Blade was what really kick started Marvel’s film franchises into high gear. Many forget this important fact.

It’s a mishmash of a lot of different themes, and overall it melds together is a pretty decent way. It’s not as corny as the latter Batman films (Schumacher’s films, not the fantastic Nolan film). The special effects are wonderful and surprisingly serious for a film that has Vampires exploding in a poof of fire and smoke. I’m no fan of techno, but frankly the score and music used in the film is prefect. Like the film score to Moral Kombat kind of techno.

Snipes does a great job as the films hero and namesake. And yes, that is Traci Lords, the actress with a very questionable past in particuar kinds of films. Kris Kristofferson is wonderful as the Obi-Wan/Alfred the Butler type character, and I can actually stand Donal Logue for once.

It’s almost completely serious (as I stated earlier with its special effects) in its execution. Unfortunately the films get less serious, and more outrageous as the series continued on.

Verdict *** ½ /*****

1 comment:

Matt Ramone said...

Not seen any of the Blade movies. Which one does Van Wilder beer bong Blade before they kick some ass?

This Friday we HAVE to watch Robot Monster. I don't care if it means using my turn. I'm dying to see that movie.