Movie Review - Blade II

Reviewed by Justin Colburn & Keayn Dunya

A rare mutation has occurred within the vampire community, resulting in Reapers. Reapers are a different breed of vampire so consumed with bloodlust that they prey on vampires as well as humans turning all they bite into Reapers as well. The ruling society of vampires has contacted Blade (Wesley Snipes) asking for a temporary truce and his help in dealing with this new, more powerful, breed of vampire. Since this new creature has created quite a lot of apprehension in the ruling vampire society, they have decided to have Blade lead their elite unit of vampires, the Bloodpack, who have been specially trained for the past two years to kill him. As hunt goes on and secrets are revealed, it becomes difficult for Blade to determine who he can trust.

Justin:

It's difficult for a sequel to thrive in the shadow of its predecessor. Blade II was an excellent movie, but it just didn't quite live up to the first one for me. The fight choreography was done by martial arts action star Donnie Yen, (Iron Monkey, Highlander Endgame) who also played a small role in the movie. The action was energetic and well performed; Wesley Snipes was able to show off his physical prowess, especially in the beginning of the movie. The sequel stayed very true to the character they created in the first movie, several of Blade's nuisances were carried over from the first film (Popping his neck before a fight, his affinity for sunglasses, etc.). I was kind of unsure how I felt about Kris Kristofferson's character returning, but it was pulled off well.

The movie fell short with me because I came in wanting to see a sequel, but ended up seeing a different movie. The style was so changed from the first movie; it didn't feel like a sequel. As much as I liked the action, it didn't flow as well for me as the first one did. The combining of special effects with the action took me out of the movie a couple of times. Ultimately I liked this movie a lot, but unfortunately I came into it expecting it to be like the first one and since it didn't meet my expectations I didn't like it as much as I did the original. But I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoyed the first movie or who just wants to see a good action/thriller.

Keayn:

Sequels can be one of two things, a continuation of the first movie's plot line or the placement of the main character into an entirely different situation. Blade II is definitely a different movie from Blade. The feel is different, the pacing is different and the action is alot different. From the opening scene there is a definite pacing to blade. I felt that is was the action driving the movie, in order to cover a thinness in the plot. Don't get me wrong it's pretty good as far as plot lines go, but I felt as if a lot was left out. Blade is carried well from the original. All of Blade's character quirks and attitude from the first movie are there as well as a little more insight into his psyche. I am glad to see that Whistler made the transition well. The cheesiest thing a movie can do is bring a character back from the dead but when it's done well it helps to recapture a little of the original movies feel. In Blade it helped to underline who you can and can't trust.

Still the one thing Blade does deliver is the action. The CG scenes are a little out of sync and with today's computer achievements, it detracts from the movie. The rest of the action flowed along and kept the pace well. Although the final confrontation with the bad guy resembles a Wrestlemania main event more than anything else.

All in all it was a good movie and one i wouldn't hesitate recommending. Although I wouldn't recommend it for everyone. If you really liked the original this one won't disappoint you but if you have any doubts, pick something else. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the ride.