Lots Of Action In OK Vampire Film

Rating: 6/10 (13 January 2004)

Wesley Snipes stars as a half human/half vampire in this action film based upon a comic. Snipes is perfectly cast as the morally ambiguous vampire hunter. His nemesis is Stephen Dorff, who is trying to spark a vampire takeover. Dorff is only satisfactory as the lead vampire, is physically unimposing, and doesn't seem to be on screen that much. Kris Kristofferson is interesting as Whistler, Blade's weapons and knowledge expert. N'Bushe Wright is OK as the hematologist, who ends up rescued by Blade and then helps him in his battle against the vampires. Donal Logue from "Grounded For Life" seems like he's doing a Sam Kinison impression throughout the movie in his role as one of Dorff's main baddies. The film is just under two hours long, but it moves swiftly enough to make it seem shorter. The action is fast and loose, peppered with computer generated effects, martial arts violence, blood, and gore. Many reviewers commented on comparisons between the effects and violence from Blade and The Matrix, but it should be noted that Blade was released before The Matrix, not after it. From the opening sequence at a vampire rave to the final obligatory face off between Snipes and Dorff, the film consistently provides satisfying action and plot turns, although it's hard to overlook the fact that it's somewhat formulaic in structure. **1/2 of 4 stars.