Just another one with lots of effects

Rating: 6/10 (3 December 1998)

When I saw, in the newspaper, the document that Lars Von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg signed, named dogma 95, I thought it was the most stupid thing I had ever read. Some reviewers has taken it seriously now that the first example of it arrived here (Vinterberg's "Festen"). I haven't changed my mind, although seeing Blade made me, at least, understand it.
Here, in Brazil, we didn't see Woody Allen's "Deconstructing Harry", Ang Lee's "Ice Storm" and some important others yet; mostly because our theatres have been busy during all this year with films like this. Films where the leading role is played by special effects.
The modern techniques aren't guilty at all. What would it be of great masterpieces like "2001: A Space Odyssey" or "Star Wars" if they didn't exist? But, what's sad, and this is the worse thing about "Blade", is when you clearly see that some scenes were created just to justify astonishing effects. Sometimes you start to wonder if you're watching a movie or a cartoon. Do you remember "Spawn"?
This movie has no characters and, therefore, no performances to be remembered; but I was expecting this. The plot could be resumed to 20 minutes and the action scenes are weak. So you can wait until it's released in video.
Marvel's Blade is not published here, but I really love other comics characters and, still, I have to say that no superhero has conquered a respectful place in movies yet, not even Batman. Well, I'm waiting anxiously for the X-men and, for now, I'm going to see "Festen" to see if these danishes are better filming than they are when making statements.