Marvel’s first successful live-action film was actually the vampire-slaying Blade. I have still managed to avoid watching the movie, despite the unbelievable character introduction of Blade.
Here are my reactions to watching Blade (1998) for the first time:
1.
We start with a flashback, which I imagine is Blade’s birth.
3.
Secret door to a dance party? Sign me up.
4.
My man really lacks any survival skills. At what point do you go: everyone here seems to hate me or want to eat me.
6.
One of the greatest character introductions ever. The only spoiler I knew going into this. His reveal, while blood-covered vampires back away in fear, is a masterpiece of filmmaking.
7.
This guy has the “first goon to die” written all over him. Let’s see how far he makes it.
8.
Blade passes the blame to someone else. Hell of a start to a film. The atmosphere slaps. And RIP to the first goon.
9.
The practical effects in ’90 and 2000s films are so frustrating because they look so good…so when you have the exploding vampire nonsense, it really takes you out.
10.
So much for the new doctor characters.
11.
Oops. Wait, she might make it! But bitten. Whoa! So not only did she make it, but that is the charred guy from the underground rave. Wasn’t paying enough attention, apparently, lol.
12.
Cops shoot Blade. Blade: “Motherf*cker are you outta your damn mind?” LOL
13.
The spliced flashbacks were a great touch. He was going to leave her, but that mysterious opening scene made him take her. But also, the other vamp got away AGAIN.
14.
Introduction to Whistler. Seems like he’s Blade’s first mate. Perhaps his Familiar?
15.
We meet this secret vampire council. The business side seems less fun than the vampire-butt-kicking-side of things.
16.
Enter Frost. The big bad Blade references earlier in the movie.
17.
So Frost wants non-vampires eliminated from society and only sees them as food. Very interesting, because, like Blade, Frost is a Daywalker (can walk…in the daylight).
19.
So it seems like Dr. Jensen, the woman Blade saved, will now be a Daywalker involved with him. Love interest or sidekick? Always hard to judge in the ’90s.
20.
Love that Blade has blood injected rather than being a blood-sucking fiend. Makes sense since he, you know, kills vampires.
21.
They’re making Whistler too likable. He’s as good as dead. Def the “fill-in character” meant to fill Dr. Jensen in on all the vampiric haps.
22.
Yeah, I think everyday life has sailed for Dr. Jensen. Surprised they are tossing her back into her normal life with nothing but some vampire mace.
23.
We got some ancient text subplot and a smack to Frost. Assuming Frost plans on cleaning house once he uncovers all the ancient vampire secrets he wants.
24.
The cop is just letting himself in. Super suspicious…andddd he just tried to kill Dr. Jensen.
25.
FAMILIARS! Wannabe vampires. The cop was a familiar. Love the worldbuilding in this film so far. The vampires are also using blood banks…because, of course, they are.
26.
Daywalkers sticking together…for now.
27.
“Worse things out there than vampires…like me.” Wesley Snipes is killing it as Blade.
28.
Me writing this post:
29.
The vampire from the beginning, Quinn, is still alive! Hahaha. This man can’t be killed!
30.
We have reached the detective part of the film. The pace has definitely slowed a bit.
31.
This all felt a little out of place style-wise…But I guess we needed exposition somehow. That said, I get that this was a comic book, so comic book-like goofiness is expected.
32.
Blade is in trouble. Quinn is playing with his food too much.
33.
Whistler for the save!
34.
Quinn is taking a beating in this film but SOMEHOW staying alive. Good for him. Possible face turn by the end of the film?
35.
Blade backstory! Finally, we patiently waited and learned that when Blade was born, his mother had been bitten by a vampire. She died while he lived to be a Daywalker.
36.
Keep those markings covered around Blade. Hoping this is some classic planting and payoff in the works.
37.
Daywalkers meet. Frost has a little hostage, and is doing the classic villain spiel of “we’re the same person, man.” We also got a lot of villainous plan reveals.
38.
This guy hasn’t felt like a good rival to Blade…yet. His plan is in motion, though, so I am sure we will get that third act upgrade for Frost. Don’t know how I feel about this plan to unleash a “Blood God,” but maybe it’ll be cool.
39.
Frost yeeted the kid. I feel like that bus would’ve seen that kid, but kept driving forward. Blade to the rescue, but what a jerk driver.
40.
The baddies found the hideaway. Great pigtails, Quinn!
42.
Whistler stayed alive long enough to pass on the “Chosen One” trope. Something about the direction of the second act really didn’t work for me. It felt a lot less daring than the first act.
44.
It’s Bladein’ time. Enter Act III.
45.
Has Frost had a mustache this whole time, and I am just noticing? Either way, the whole villain talks to captive trope isn’t taking this movie anywhere.
46.
The interaction between Quinn and Frost is by far the funniest in this movie. The humor potential was there in this film without forcing it, but it felt like it wanted to be cooler and more serious in the second act than campy.
47.
Blade can make an entrance.
48.
Again, with the vampire explosions, it feels like it is jumping off a comic book panel, even if it does look dated. The blood bursts still hold up. Whispers: more practical effects, please.
49.
I like the bed opening, planting, and payoff. But who is this woman?
50.
YESSSSS! We’re back, Act III! Frost turned Blade’s mom, and now she is siding with him. This is the camp the movie has been missing for like an hour.
51.
Dr. Jensen is coming in for the save! Frost’s plan is almost sure to work, though, as he has Blade already locked up and bleeding.
52.
Quinn with the shades! Gonna miss this man when he gets iced by Blade.
53.
Yes! Dr. Jensen is letting Blade drink some of her blood. This ending is really picking up the pace and delivering.
54.
This shot of Frost is incredible. This film has all the right vibes.
55.
I really liked the lightning effect on the council members, but it got derailed by the flying skeletons lol.
57.
Superhero landing! The Blade fit is fantastic, by the way. Hats off to costume designer Sanja Milkovic Hays.
58.
Quinn just got iced. Blade gets his shades back. Fight time.
59.
We are getting a more feral Blade. This ending has cooked so far—great storytelling and buildup to this final showdown.
60.
The entire fight sequence was very ’90s. I miss the days when every choreography just looked like John Wick. Was it a corny style back then? Sure. But it was still stylish.
61.
Bye Frost. Blade: “Some motherf*ckers are always trying to ice skate uphill,” is A. QUOTE. OF. QUOTES.
62.
The ending was very “see you next week, on Blade,” and I loved it. This movie was 2/3 of a blast with Snipes and his character’s backstory carrying the film. If you like comic book movies, you will adore this. Reminded me a lot of Hellboy (2004), and wonder if it drew a lot of inspiration. I give it two silver thumbs up.
What are your thoughts on Blade (1998)? Comment below!
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