DVD Features Sticky Fingaz in Title Role of Sci-Fi TV Series
After enjoy a theatrical run as a trilogy featuring Wesley Snipes, the Blade franchise was brought to television with rapper-turned-actor Sticky Fingaz entrusted with the title role. This DVD is an extended version of the pilot of the short-lived, Spike-TV series which was canceled after a dozen episodes.
Half-breed Blade is a people-friendly vampire hunter who has dedicated his life to wiping that blood-sucking species off the planet and thereby save humanity. Surprisingly graphic for the small screen, this installment is set in Detroit where the motorcycle-riding avenger teams up with Krista (Jill Wagner), an Iraq War veteran whose twin brother (David Kopp) was murdered by the House of Chthon, an evil sect of vampires led by Marcus Van Sciver (Neil Jackson), a diabolical overlord bent on world domination.
At the point of the departure, Krista doesn’t know from vampires, since her interest is initially just in cracking what she thinks is an ordinary case of homicide. But to her credit, she remains game even after learning about the supernatural powers of her adversaries, though she is obviously fortunate to be assisted in her endeavor by Blade, given his extensive knowledge about the use of garlic, silver and sunlight in combating the rabid breed of predators.
Though Snipes is too associated with the role to be forgotten, Sticky certainly holds his own here, and generates just enough chemistry with his co-star to hold one’s interest. Most importantly, the flick also has a compelling plotline and plenty of gore to satiate the bloodlust of fans of the genre. When all is said and done, don’t gruesome displays of vivisection explain the appeal of this sort of horror flick?
Very good (3 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 88 minutes
Studio: New Line Home Entertainment
DVD Extras: Director’s commentary, screenwriters’ commentary, and a documentary entitled “Turning Blade.”
