BLADE II
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2002 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): * 1/2
After the commercial success of the original BLADE, about a creature half human
and half vampire, what do they do for the sequel? They crank up the grossness
factor dramatically to be as repulsive as possible, assuming, correctly, that
gore is just what the predominately male teenage audience for BLADE II will
want. To ensure maximum fright, the studio hired Guillermo del Toro (THE
DEVIL'S BACKBONE) to direct the sequel. As an exercise in style, it is an
unquestionable success, but, as a coherent and compelling movie, it is no better
than your typical schlocky slasher flick.
Again starring Wesley Snipes as the eponymous lead, the story has him slaughter
a dozen vampires before you've had your first few bites of popcorn.
The special effects are expensive and elaborate, but you've seen them all before
from THE MATRIX-style slow-motion bullet to the ALIEN-style hideous creature
hidden within the body. The plot has the "Vampire Nation" -- I wonder if they
have a flag and a national anthem? -- enlisting Blade's help to stop the Reaper
(Rey-Phillip Santos) and his growing army since they are a threat to both
vampires and humans.
Twenty -- ten? -- minutes into the picture, I was ready to cry uncle. Enough
already, I get it. Maybe they could make a music video version of it. Three
minutes would be just about right, and you expect a music video to be all style
and no substance. Watching this film, which was proceeded by no less than eight
trailers, I kept wishing that I was at any of those movies rather than BLADE II,
which is about as much fun as taking castor oil.
Blade II runs a long 1:48. It is rated R for "strong pervasive violence,
language, some drug use and sexual content" and would be acceptable for older
teenagers.
My son Jeffrey, almost 13, gave it ****. He loved the action, the special
effects and the music.
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