Horror blends well with any genre. We have seen classic Horror/SciFi, Horror/Comedy, and Horror/Romances. The one genre that seems to overwhelm whatever genre is paired with it, though, is the Action film genre. For some reason, once a film has a few fights or chase scenes, it is immediately labeled “Action” to the detriment of any other genre that contributes to the film’s overall life. This is true of the Horror genre, too, where a great Action movie that might feature a monster or a serial killer will have the Horror aspects ignored in favor of the action. This is something that should be rectified, so it is in this spirit that I offer one of the great examples of Horror/Action; Guillermo del Toro’s 2002 Vampire-fest, BLADE 2.
More under the fold!
BLADE 2 takes place two years after the events of the first film, with vampire-hunter Blade (Wesley Snipes) searching for and ultimately finding his mentor, Whistler (Kris Kristofferson). While bringing Whistler back to health, Blade’s hideout is infiltrated by a group of vampire commandos who come with a proposal of truce. They explain that the vampire community finds itself threatened by a new strain of vampire called Reapers, who are not only stronger, faster, and hungrier than typical vampires, they are also cannibalistic - hunting and feeding on other vampires. Blade forges and uneasy alliance with the vampires and agrees to help hunt down and eliminate the Reapers. Along the way, he finds himself drawn to Nyssa, a warrior-princess who seems to be the only vampire interested in honoring the truce.
Aside from the mixing of genres, BLADE 2 stands out because it is one of those rare sequels that is far, far superior to the original. It boasts an intelligent script by David S. Goyer, expert production design by Carol Spier, and moody photography by Gabriel Beristain. Blade himself is perfectly portrayed by Wesley Snipes, who seems to have been born to play the role. Kris Kristofferson, Leonor Varela, Ron Perlman, and Norman Reedus turn in terrific supporting performances as well. The film benefits most from having a true visionary like Guillermo del Toro in the director’s chair. Del Toro paces the film perfectly, delivering a Horror/Action film that features thrills, chills, and even beauty. BLADE 2 is so good, that the original BLADE has been largely forgotten.
BLADE 2 is not a typical Horror film in that it is just as easily classified as not only an Action film, but an Adventure film or a Superhero film (which seems to be developing into its own genre these days). Yes, BLADE 2 is inarguably an Action film, but here’s the thing - why can’t a great Horror film also have rip-roaring action scenes in them? Why can’t a scary movie also take the viewer on an adventure? The vibe, the scares, and the action are all sublime in BLADE 2 and it is a perfect film for those that want their creepfests to move just a little more quickly.
Parental Guide: Too intense for little ones. Too gory for younger teens. 16+
BLADE 2 fun facts -
The weaponized UV light props caused some of the crew to go temporarily blind.
One of the buildings seen in the film has a sign that says “Radoo”. Radu is the name of Vlad the Impaler’s younger brother - known as Radu III the Handsome.
The Reapers‘ stingers comes from Polish vampire folklore, where the vampires used singers from their mouths to suck their victims‘ blood.
The Reapers’ blood was made green in an effort to minimize potential objections from the MPAA
Blade - “You obviously. Do not know. Who you are FUCKING WITH!”
Damaskinos - “Who do you think God really favors in the web; the spider or the fly?”
Whistler - “I had enough of their world. They’re just shitting bricks because they’re no longer top of the food chain.”