Cast: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Jessica Biel, Ryan Reynolds, Parker Posey, Dominic Purcell, Triple H, Natasha Lyonne, John Michael Higgins and James Remar
Director: David Goyer
Studio Synopsis: Deep in a remote desert, vampire leaders are resurrecting Dracula, the horrific creature who spawned their race. Now known as Drake (Dominic Purcell), this awesome vampire has unique powers that allow him to exist in daylight. To make things even more difficult for vampire hunter Blade (Wesley Snipes), the vampiric leadership launches a smear campaign against him, targeting him as a murderous monster and sending the FBI after him. After Blade and his mentor, Whistler (Kris Kristofferson), have an explosive showdown with FBI agent Cumberland (James Remar) and his men, itÕs evident the Daywalker will need some assistance. Blade reluctantly teams up with the Nightstalkers, a group of human vampire hunters led by WhistlerÕs beautiful daughter, Abigail (Jessica Biel), and the wisecracking Hannibal King (Ryan Reynolds).
Rating: R
Running Time: 114 minutes
Official Web site: http://www.bladetrinity.com/
Trailer: http://www.bladetrinity.com/
Review: Time to drive a stake through the heart of Wesley SnipesÕ vampire-slaying franchise. The third and worst entry in the Blade series is feebler than a bloodsucker jonesing for a pint of Type O negative. There was some promise that the series would continue with some bite. David S. Goyer earned the right to direct Blade: Trinity after penning the first two films. Unfortunately, Goyer apparently forgot everything that he did to make the series a bloody good time. Or maybe his directorsÑStephen Norrington (Blade) and Guillermo del Toro (Blade II)Ñovercompensated for any deficiencies in GoyerÕs screenplays. Goyer sets himself up for an early fall by subtly slamming the old Hammer Dracula movies via Ryan ReynoldsÕ caustic opening narration. Too bad Goyer doesnÕt recognize the class and visual richness of those early Hammer yarns. Instead, Blade: Trinity is one long and pallid showdown between the perpetually scowling Snipes and a resurrected Dracula, laughable renamed Drake and embarrassing portrayed by the ripped Dominic Purcell as a Venice Beach muscleman with an IQ half the size of his biceps. And pity Parker Posey as the vampire responsible for digging up a pissed-off Dracula. Tarted up like a middle-aged Marilyn Manson groupie, Parker looks deathly uncomfortable issuing trite death threats and glaring menacing at Blade and his cohorts, the Nightstalkers. These bright, young thingsÑwho get their thrills eradicating the vampire populationsÑ includes Reynolds and Jennifer Biel. The former Seventh Heaven good girl tries to pull off some kick-ass moves while slaying vampires, but sheÕs no Buffy. Reynolds essentially fights his foes by spewing out the wit and wisdom of Van Wilder. Yes, the fate of the world rests with the dude who played Van Wilder. How frightening. Reynolds is as loud and glib as Snipes is bored and taciturn, but he at least gives Blade: Trinity a much-needed jolt of energy. Goyer also tries to inject Blade: Trinity with more humor than its predecessors, but the results are mixed. The sight of a vampire Pomeranian is a hoot, but thereÕs no punchline. Nor is there much in the way of bloodshed. BladeÕs undead victims disintegrate into ash upon meeting their fate. WhereÕs the guts and gore? How anemic. Hard to believe, but it didnÕt take a legion of vampires to suck the life out of BladeÑjust Goyer.
ÑRobert Sims
Other Reviews:
The Sun-Sentinel (2 1/2 stars)
Hollywood.com (1 1/2 stars)
The Miami Herald (1 star)
Street Weekly (1 star)
The Palm Beach Post (C)
City Link
New Times Broward-Palm Beach |
