I can't understand why people have been so critical of this film. Mostly it seems to be dangerous porn addicts who were longing for a seedy B-movie lesbian vampire romp (and don't get me wrong, who isn't?) or those more dedicated to the gore and fast pace of more aggressive movies along these lines.
For a start, the cast is as competent as any I've ever seen on Zone Horror (Where I've just seen the film) and I daresay more accomplished than those boasted by half the Hollywood "blockbusters" you'll find in cinema's today. David Carradine (of kill bill fame) plays an ageing Van Helsing with all the world-weariness and academia of a vampire hunter past his best still clinging to the golden olden days of vamp-bashing. Julian Richings deserves special mention as well for probably the finest representation of a vampire hunter I've seen; icy cold, refined and single-minded with the skill of an artisan he is far more believable, and slightly creepy and unsettling, than your buffy or angel.
Another mention has to go to the production value of the film, it just looks great. The sets are punching above their weight and the budget is spent so that not only is the cast more than adequate, the setting, camera-work and film quality are also quality. The storyline is what possibly puts some people off the film, and while the script is robust and well-acted, it is a marathon runner of a film rather than a sprinter, the action sequences that do occur are very well organised and executed without top-end million-dollar special effects. If you really enjoy the characters, it's a tremendously involving film.
It can't be escaped that the lesbian theme bubbles along under the surface (all the more fun) but the film has difficulty settling into a genre which demands more of either extreme. The soundtrack courtesy of the Duke Spirit is well suited and there are very few moments where it shows signs of reverting back to Zone Horror type. All in all, when you consider what went into this movie and what they managed to get out of it, it's something I'd much rather go see than the cardboard cutout that is jessica alba or the latest flog of the dead Star Wars horse. To those who'll give it a try, bear in mind it will never be a mind-blower, but as far as enjoyment and entertainment goes (along with some surrealist cutaways and occasional lesbian kissing scenes) it is a film I would definitely recommend! Remember what it is and you will definitely NOT be disappointed!!
For a start, the cast is as competent as any I've ever seen on Zone Horror (Where I've just seen the film) and I daresay more accomplished than those boasted by half the Hollywood "blockbusters" you'll find in cinema's today. David Carradine (of kill bill fame) plays an ageing Van Helsing with all the world-weariness and academia of a vampire hunter past his best still clinging to the golden olden days of vamp-bashing. Julian Richings deserves special mention as well for probably the finest representation of a vampire hunter I've seen; icy cold, refined and single-minded with the skill of an artisan he is far more believable, and slightly creepy and unsettling, than your buffy or angel.
Another mention has to go to the production value of the film, it just looks great. The sets are punching above their weight and the budget is spent so that not only is the cast more than adequate, the setting, camera-work and film quality are also quality. The storyline is what possibly puts some people off the film, and while the script is robust and well-acted, it is a marathon runner of a film rather than a sprinter, the action sequences that do occur are very well organised and executed without top-end million-dollar special effects. If you really enjoy the characters, it's a tremendously involving film.
It can't be escaped that the lesbian theme bubbles along under the surface (all the more fun) but the film has difficulty settling into a genre which demands more of either extreme. The soundtrack courtesy of the Duke Spirit is well suited and there are very few moments where it shows signs of reverting back to Zone Horror type. All in all, when you consider what went into this movie and what they managed to get out of it, it's something I'd much rather go see than the cardboard cutout that is jessica alba or the latest flog of the dead Star Wars horse. To those who'll give it a try, bear in mind it will never be a mind-blower, but as far as enjoyment and entertainment goes (along with some surrealist cutaways and occasional lesbian kissing scenes) it is a film I would definitely recommend! Remember what it is and you will definitely NOT be disappointed!!