Blade II - Not A Film For The Feint Hearted

Meet the monsters with an appetite to make the average vampire look anorexic in contrast

By Emma Kae - 9th July 2002 - Back to News

What can one expect from another film based on a comic book series (Batman, X-Men, Spiderman) and a sequel no less? Without the answer, I could scarcely prepare myself for what may be just around the corner. I loaded myself up with a giant sized bag of maltesers, a large frozen coke and a pocket full of antacid and trudged down the darkened cinema aisle with a strong sense of foreboding.

Let me begin by saying that this is not a film for the feint hearted. The scenes unfolding on the screen are so dark that the theatre scenery, by comparison, resembles as Las Vegas cabaret show. In fact, viewers previously planning a trip to the film’s setting of Prague are almost guaranteed to trade their flight for tickets to Hawaii, or simply unpack their bags and, quivering with the memory of what is "out there" turn into hermits and never leave their home town again.

Blade II continues the story of the original, two years on from where it left off. It tells the story of the title character (Wesley Snipes) a half-vampire/half-human dude with a serious attitude, more gadgets than the top ten superheroes combined, martial arts skills to have Jackie Chan running for cover and a mission to free the world of the undead.

This time around, Blade is in search of his old sidekick Whistler (Kris Kristofferson) whom we are led to believe died in the first flick but it turns out that he survived the self-inflicted gunshot of the original film only to have the vampires take him and keep him in stasis. The amazing Blade quickly cures Whistler of vampirism, and with nerdy yet attractive newcomer Scud (Norman Reedus) in tow, the clan reform and make plans to kick some vampire butt. Sounds somewhat like a bad episode of Buffy, but at least that only goes for an hour – including ads to save your sanity and stop you from thinking that noise you keep hearing is a monster under the bed.

Just when you are sure that Blade will simply march on in with this month’s ultimate fashion accessories - a sharp stake and garlic headband, two envoys are sent from the ruling leader of the vampire nation. They inform Blade of a new threat that is challenging both the human and vampire race - a mutant strain of exceptionally violent vampires that have an appetite that makes the vampire prototype of old seem anorexic in contrast. The enemies create an alliance and together seek to put a stop to the rogue vampires. What follows is a sequence of stylish, violent battles between Blade and his various enemies.

In short, Blade II, while doused with a good shot of visual flair, has a storyline sketchier than a portrait by Mr. Squiggle and characters barely developed beyond optical recognition. But though seriously lacking in substance, or even logic, you will not be bored with this film. Just don’t think too hard about what is actually going on behind all of the in your face action, or the whole thing will fall apart. Basically, it is perfect for your average, undiscriminating meathead fan of violence, gore and profanity, but regular movie-goers might be better suited to renting an old favourite and spending the extra $5 on munchies.

2.5 stars.

Click here for details on where you can see Blade II in Gippsland.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com