Awesome action, intriguing style

Rating: 9/10 (7 March 1999)

I remember sitting down to Lethal Weapon 4, which by the way is another excellent film, and watching the previews with an impatience beyond comprehension. Then I saw a preview for Blade. As a kid, I had been a big Marvel comics fan, and since Blade is neither a popular comic hero like Batman or Spawn, I was wondering how or why anyone would want to make a film about him. I also admit that the preview was less than convincing. I convinced myself to see it simply because I am a big Wesley Snipes fan and Blade was a cool character. Then came August 22. I had just come back from out of town and immediately my friend Mike called me informing me that it was definitely one of the baddest-ass action movies in the history of filmmaking. So, on August 23, I saw it. From the previews, one would expect a Seagal-ish cheap-ass action flick with poorly choreographed action sequences, lame as hell moves, and crappy acting on the part of supporting characters. Of course, one could not hold the plot against the movie. Why would you go see a movie like Blade, an obvious action extravaganza, for a realistic plot? The filming style was incredibly unique. And of course, Wesley Snipes lets himself go, letting loose incredible arrays of fighting sequences involving capoiera, aikido, and several styles of kung fu. The supporting actors, mainly Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wright, and Donal Logue, also performed to the peak of their abilities. All-in-all, Blade is an excellent movie for those who prefer violent, go for the throat action movies with an exceptional badass ring to them.