Gabe Toro's Movie Review : Blade 2

     What must be said right off the bat is that this film is more than a step up from its predecessor. Whereas the original had a lot of ridiculous story to sort through, this film comes alive like a graphic novel, where the evil that lurks in every corner is an amalgamation of the dangers of our times. Snipes once again steps into the lead role of the humorless protagonist, a half-vampire half-human hybrid that curbs his bloodlust with a mysterious serum produced in his Mr. Wizard-designed lab. This detail seems designed as an allegorical allusion to a drug addiction, but more on that later. Mr. Snipes seems to have adjusted well to the role. Despite exorcising some parental demons in the first film, we find him brooding more than ever at the opening of this film. Not only is he a black American in a strange land (Prague), he is also a character stuck between the world of the vampires and the existence of the human race. His only friend, associate Whistler (Kris Kristofferson), was killed at the end of the first film and Blade’s new assistant is cocky and obnoxious pothead Scud (Norman Reedus, or Rob Thomas, whom he eerily resembles).

     The story is set into motion when Blade learns of Whistler’s survival. Apparently he has been kept alive by an underground vampire syndicate (you know the type) as bait to attract Blade. Once Blade and Whistler are reunited, the Bloodpack, as they are called, notify Blade of a dire situation. There is a virus being spread among the vampire community that is turning them into depraved, brain-dead creatures, offhandedly referred to as Reapers. And these Reapers are quite the inspired creation: their distinguishing feature is a second mouth created when the jaw opens outward, allowing them to consume the entire head of their victim.

     Blade agrees to help the Bloodpack, but he is not entirely sold on their intentions. He intensely mistrusts all pure vampires, and the Bloodpack leader, Reinhardt, is no exception. Most of the film’s comedic highlights involve the nasty dialogue shared between Reinhardt and Blade, who clearly have a history of animosity towards each other.

     What is so nasty about these Reapers, though, is to reach back to the drug angle. Shadowing them in darkness and putting their pasty white skin in full display could easily conceive them as junkies. They are so dependent on feeding on human flesh that one doomed vampire, in a truly inspired moment, attempts to feed on his own arm to free himself. The desperation of the Reapers to feed is felt in every damning, lurid frame of the film, and sets a doomed tone the first film never even considered.

     "Blade 2" doesn't skimp on the action. There are a couple of all-out brawls here, nicely lensed by director Guillermo Del Toro, although the overuse of CGI suggest he has better success with horror scenes. Especially welcome is the presence of "Iron Monkey" himself, Mr. Donnie Yen. It's a goodie in a film filled with fantastic goodies and rewards for the average sci-fi/horror film buff. Director Del Toro keeps things moving at such a solid pace that one barely notices there's so little plot after the initial setup. It's ace entertainment, and one of the best sequels in a long time. These muthafuckas make ice-skating uphill look easy.

Editors Note: Thanks to Gabe Toro for a fantastic review