The power of an immortal. The soul of a human. The heart of a hero.
Rating: 7/10
Running Time: 115 minutes
UK Certificate: 18
On DVD
Wesley Snipes stars as Blade, an immortal 'day-walker' who considers it his mission to hunt vampires. Blade's mother was bitten by a vampire during her pregnancy, which passed a variety of vampiric powers on to her son. Blade benefited from the best attributes of both vampires and humans, and grew up to be a vampire hunter in order to avenge the death of his mother. He is aided by Adam Whistler (Kris Kristofferson), who provides him with a range of high-tech solutions.
Blade is hunting down vampires when he discovers details of a plot hatched by the renegade vampire overlord Deacon Frost (Stephen Dorff). Frost is very powerful, and his vampires have infiltrated many major human organisations. Frost is trying to take control of the House of Erebus in order to become Bloodlord, so that he can rule over all the vampires and destroy humanity. He needs Blade's unique blood to summon the blood god to give him dominion over what the vampires call 'human cattle'.
A fine combination of action, science fiction and horror, 'Blade' is one of the best comic book adaptations to date. While hardly deep or cerebral, it manages to capture much of the spirit of the original character and doesn't turn him into a children's cartoon. The film provides plenty of action and effects, fights and blood. The violence is successfully broken up with a variety of one-liners and other humour. Wesley Snipes makes a fine vampire hunter, looking great at all times, although the character of Blade really isn't explored to any depth. Stephen Dorff too makes a fine villain. Stylish and entertaining, 'Blade' is perhaps not great art but certainly great fun.
It's Got: Fine effects and plenty of action.
It Needs: A bit more depth and development for the characters.
DVD Extras Plenty of information about the cast and crew, and looks behind the scenes. Extras: Deleted scenes, Cast & crew, Special effects, Designing Blade, Behind the scenes, Trailer. DVD Extras Rating: 7/10
Summary
Slightly superficial but enjoyable effects feature with plenty of action and slaughter.