Blade (1998) – Movie Review

Written by: David S. Goyer, based on the Marvel Comics character created by Gene Colan & Marv Wolfman
Directed by: Stephen Norrington
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N’Bushe Wright

My Advice: Don’t Miss It.

I’d like to say a big thank you to Wesley Snipes. You see, I was looking forward to a number of films this summer. Deep Impact was my Number One Movie to Look Forward To this year, and you know how that turned out. Blade was the last bastion of hope that I allowed myself, that one movie would be just as good as I thought it should. And damn, if you didn’t pull it off, Wes! I’ve even forgiven you for Passenger 57, this flick was so good. I’ve seen Blade twice, for pity’s sake, having felt the need to drag some friends along for the ride the next time. Sigh. Okay, enough euphoria–it’s just the summer stock has sucked this year, and to finally get a decent film is….overwhelming.

Okay, the synopsis is this: Blade (Snipes) is half-human, half-vampire, going about kicking vampire tush with the help of his particular Kenobi, Whistler (Kristofferson). However, his arch-nemesis, Deacon Frost (Dorff), wants to topple the bloodsucking hierarchy that exists and bring something really, really nasty over from the other side.

[ad#longpost]And here’s where we must start handing out praise–a great script, thanks to Goyer. I can only assume that his previous film projects that have made me nauseous (Dark City, Crow 2) were due to directorial mishandling or studio cuts. You have really interesting takes on the vampire mythos, and even more importantly, you have a villain that doesn’t overshadow the hero (are you listening, you schmucks at WB?). And hey, if you have some corny stuff going on–keep this in mind, this is one of those Marvel Comics characters that they’re using. Norrington’s directing is very engaging, and it sets the tone perfectly from the first scene. Snipes is kick butt perfection, doing all of his own stunts (all but one) and delivering his character with the single-mindedness it deserves. Dorff is great as the smartass upstart vamp who wants it all, a perfect foil to Snipes. Kristofferson (who I last saw in the great Lone Star) doesn’t take any crap either as the teacher/godparent/Alfred of Snipes. N’Bushe Wright plays the hematologist who gets in harm’s way and holds her own despite all the undead testosterone flying around. I’ve liked her ever since Zebrahead. As for Arly Jover, well, let’s just see you again soon, eh?

All in all, I can’t say enough good things about this flick. It’s the first time in human history that I’ve actually wanted a sequel. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

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