Know the Mark of this movie  it's rather enjoyable fare.

Rating: Null/10 (16 May 2002)

`Blade 2' is the sequel to the enjoyable `Blade'. Sequels are notorious for disappointing, being weaker than the original with the very few exceptions (only `Aliens' springs to mind, as the `The Godfather, Part II' is not a bona fide sequel). `Blade 2', while not being exactly a brilliant movie, surprises by being a grand sequel and great fun.
Acting? It's all camped up here. Everyone appears to be having fun. Wesley Snipes is the titular character and delivers his lines with smooth sheer coolness. Nothing phases him and Snipes is the perfect man to carry it off. Kris Kristofferson, as his sidekick Whistler, provides the humour with a great laidback charm. Ron Perlman is delicious as Blade's unwanted help, leader of a gang of vampires called the Bloodpack. The motley Bloodpack are a great example of the eclectic team found often in action movies and they work well here, as they help Blade battle a new form of vampires called Reapers who, as they feed on vampires as well as humans, represent a threat to the whole world.
The plot's paper thin, but it's nicely over looked when you're watching a movie replete with action sequences. The fight sequences are lovingly choreographed, and shot with an established eye for action by director Guillermo del Toro. There's a whole sense of fun, almost a tongue-in-cheek tone to the proceedings at times. The gore is strong, the violence furious, but never offensive - it is based on a comic book, and these roots show in the picture.
As action movies go, `Blade 2' can hold it's head proud. It's never trying to be more than it should be, never adopting pretentious airs. It's a movie revelling in delivering adrenaline pumping action, slick movement and a dose of fun. It's not intelligent or innovative enough to become a classic but it's a welcome popcorn diversion for a night, and a sequel worthy to the franchise that would encourage you to see a `Blade 3'. 6.5/10.