BLOOD GROOVE

A Video Review of "Blade"

Copyright 2003 Glenn Walker

Blade is a minor character (or at least was) created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan back in the 1970s during Marvel Comics' 'horror boom.' The Comics Code Authority had loosened up on the restraints they had placed on the EC horror comics back in the 1950s and Marvel was taking advantage of it. They began publishing a multitude of horror books with vampires, zombies, werewolves, Frankensteins - everything they'd previously been prohibited. Out of this time came Blade the vampire slayer.

On the screen Blade is brought to life by noted comic book fan Wesley Snipes (Rising Sun, Demolition Man, Passenger 57) and written by comics and screen writer David Goyer (Dark City, The Crow: City of Angels, Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the highly acclaimed JSA comic book). Blade, as the product of both human and vampire heritage, has the best abilities of both parents and uses them to rid the earth of its demonic vampire scum.

The villain, Frost, is played with evil glee by Stephen Dorff, formerly the voice of Child's Play's Chucky. He is the perfect counterpoint to Blade, believing mankind is vampirekind's food and should be ruled and rationed. Kris Kristofferson (A Star Is Born, Convoy) and N'Bushe Wright (Dead Presidents, "I'll Fly Away") are also very good as Blade's companions. A highlight is the evil turn by Donal Logue from Comic Book Villains and The Tao of Steve.

The action scenes are some of the best done for the American screen and obviously influenced by the Hong Kong cinema of which Snipes is also a big fan. These fight sequences are Hong Kong perfection. Especially compelling (and gruesome) is the opening sequence of a vampire blood rave featuring Traci Lords which is raided by Blade.

The DVD of Blade is well worth checking out. The audio commentaries by Snipes and Goyer are enlightening. If you're a fan of the comics or just action or vampire flicks in general this is a not miss.


The above review also appears at the comic book review website
Comic Widows at
http://www.comicwidows.com