Not the usual Vampire-Hunters hunting the bloodsuckers!

Rating: 9/10 (26 March 2003)

It's not the usual Peter the Vampire Hunter seeks the vampire who killed his wife/daughter etc movie. Yes, that is the basis of the plot. But the method of execution of that plot is something else!
Start with Deacon Frost. This is not your normal egocentric vampire. I've seen Dracula 2000 (not too bad a movie--then again, I give it credit for having a new premise!), and am into White Wolf and the Camarilla so I know the two origins that are presented in each. I have the feeling that part might answer a few questions that have arose, but the whole feel is right. Frost makes a wonderful Anarch-Brujah kindred. The council of pure-bloods are like the Old-School Warrior Scholars, the True Brujah who resent this upstart who came in and tried to change their habits and ways. Do things properly seems to be what they are saying. Excellent resource for a gamer.
Then you've got Blade. A day-walker, as he's called in the movie. Dhamphir is another name I've heard applied in the VtM game to apply to him. I see not only the strength and stamina of a vampire, but the celerity of one as well. As for the Matrix-esque moves, you decide. How close are the two movies to release date, and remember to allow for cgi-production times as the actors are wrapped, but the "extras" added in. I don't think anyone stole anything here!
The good doctor Karen is an interesting twist. A cure for vampirism. Now that's something you don't see much of.
All in all, for someone who is not familiar with the comic book, I must say it's a pretty good movie. I plan to watch the sequel soon here to see if it measures up.