vampires

Kiss of the Damned (2012) Review

January 6, 2014 by Eric S. Leave a Comment

Synopsis: The vampire Djuna resists the advances of Paolo, but soon gives in to their passion. When her trouble-making sister unexpectedly comes to visit, Djuna’s love is threatened, and the whole vampire community becomes endangered.

My Quick Review: Probably the sexiest vampire movie in recent history, Kiss of the Damned goes back to the roots of vampire movies. No emo-type vampites who glow in the sun, the vampires in Kiss of the Damned are sexy but also afflicted by their condition. They are also potentially dangerous blood-thirsty creatures, as shown with the character of Mimi.

Xan Cassavetes has truly crafted with Kiss of the Damned, the renewal of the vampire genre. Sure, the movie isn’t without its own problems (the script never really goes anywhere, some of the dialog seems forced), but it is superbly supported by its lead actresses (the 3 french leads are perfect in their roles) a haunting score, and an eroticism brilliantly shot.

I certainly hope we will see more from director Xan Cassavetes soon (and why not a sequel to Kiss of the Damned), since we need more feminine sensibility in our horror genre.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Director: Xan Cassavetes

Origin: US

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The Brides of Dracula (1960) Review

December 17, 2013 by Eric S. Leave a Comment

Synopsis: Vampire hunter Van Helsing returns to Transylvania to destroy handsome bloodsucker Baron Meinster, who has designs on beautiful young schoolteacher Marianne.

My Quick Review: The Brides of Dracula is the second in the series of Dracula films produced by Hammer from the late 50s to the early 70s. It’s also the only one not to have Dracula appear in the movie (the title is really misleading).

Like most of the Hammer productions, Brides of Dracula makes the best use of colors and lightning and the sets are impressive. The acting is superb in this one as well, even if Christopher Lee’s presence is still greatly missed.

The story is quite unoriginal though and,despite a short running time, the pace towards the more exiting end of the movie is frankly too slow.

It’s always hard to watch those classic horror movies back nowadays. We have been spoiled by so many great entries in the genre that, compared to a 60’s audience, it’s difficult not to wish for more to happen.

With that being said, contemporary filmmakers could take a lesson or two in set designs and overall direction. Unfortunately I can only recommend Brides of Dracula to fans of old school hammer productions.

My Rating: 6/10

Director: Terence Fisher

Origin: UK

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Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Review

April 26, 2013 by Eric S. Leave a Comment

Year: 2012

Director: Timur Bekmambetov

Summary: Did you know that one of the greatest American President was also a Vampire Hunter? No? Well neither did I. Thankfully this movie is here to tell us about the dark side of Abraham Lincoln.

My quick Review: Despite having a ridiculous title I was looking forward to Abraham Linocln: Vampire Hunter. While not exactly an horror Movie, Abraham Lincoln.. features vampites, has some gory scenes and is directed by Timur Bekmambetov whose work on “Wanted” I did enjoy. He is indeed a good action director and it does show through the movie. Albeit quite ridiculous, the “hunting” and fights scenes in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter are quite impressive and make good use of the sound and visual effects. There are a couple of gory moments and the vampires have a strong scary look but everything else fail to impress.

The script feels like it has been heavily cut and edited, the characters almost never feel genuine (maybe it is the problem of the actors, it might as well be the poor script and dialog they have been given ) and the whole premise is just over the top ridiculous, not helped by the fact that there is not even an ounce of humour of attempt at self-parody.

Verdict: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is supposed to be a fun summer ride, an action horror comedy but it fails on delivering on both parts.

My Rating: 5/10