Marvel's first successful live-action film was actually a vampire slaying. Blade. I still managed to avoid seeing the film despite the incredible presentation of Blade's character.
Here's my reaction to watching it Blade (1998) for the first time:
1.
We start with a flashback that I believe is the birth of Blade.
3.
Secret door to a dance party? Sign me up.
4.
My man really lacks 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 know about on this matter. His unmasking as the bloodied vampires retreat in fear is a masterpiece of filmmaking.
7.
This guy has “first thug to die” written all over him. Let's see how far he goes.
8.
Blade puts the blame on someone else. Hell of a start to the movie. The atmosphere is in full swing. And rest in peace to the first thug.
9.
Practical effects in 90's and 2000's movies are so disappointing because they look so good… so when you have explosive vampire nonsense, it really freaks you out.
10.
That's all about the new doctor characters.
11.
Oops. Wait, she can do it! But bitten. Wow! So not only did she do it, but so did that burned guy from the underground rave. Apparently I wasn't paying enough attention, lol.
12.
The police shoot Blade. Blade: “Bastard, are you crazy?” I CAN'T LAUGH
13.
Connecting the memories was a great touch. He was about to leave her, but the mysterious opening scene made him take her. But also, another vampire escaped AGAIN.
14.
Getting to know Whistler. Looks like he's Blade's first mate. Perhaps his Familiar?
15.
We meet with the secret council of vampires. The business side seems less interesting than the vampire side of things.
16.
Enter Frost. The big bad Blade is mentioned earlier in the film.
17.
So Frost wants non-vampires excluded from society and only views them as food. Very interesting because, like Blade, Frost is a daywalker (can walk… in daylight).
19.
So, it looks like Dr. Jensen, the woman Blade saved, will now be bonded to him by the Day Traveler. Love interest or sidekick? It's always difficult to judge in the 90s.
20.
I like that Blade gets injected with blood instead of him being a blood sucking villain. It makes sense since he, you know, kills vampires.
21.
They make Whistler too cute. He's as good as dead. Identify the “filler character” who was supposed to tell Dr. Jensen about all the vampire incidents.
22.
Yes, I think Dr. Jensen's daily life has gone awry. Surprised that they turn her back to normal using only some kind of vampire mace.
23.
We have some ancient text story and a Frost reference. Assuming Frost plans to clean house once he's uncovered all the ancient vampire secrets he needs.
24.
The policeman just lets him in. Very suspicious… and he just tried to kill Dr. Jensen.
25.
FAMILIAR! Wishing vampires. The policeman was an acquaintance. I like the world building in this film so far. Vampires also use blood banks… because of course they do.
26.
The daywalkers are sticking together… for now.
28.
I am writing this post:
29.
A vampire from the beginning, Quinn is still alive! Ha ha ha. This man cannot be killed!
30.
We have come to the detective part of the film. The pace has definitely slowed down a bit.
31.
It all seemed a little out of place in terms of style… But I guess we needed some exposure somehow. However, I understand that this was a comic book, so comic book-like silliness is expected.
32.
Blade is in trouble. Quinn plays with his food too much.
33.
Whistler for the rescue!
34.
Quinn is defeated in this film, but somehow survives. Good for him. Possible face change by the end of the film?
35.
Blade's backstory! Finally, we waited patiently and learned that when Blade was born, his mother was bitten by a vampire. She died while he lived and became a Day Traveler.
36.
Keep these marks covered around the Blade. Hopefully it's a classic fit and performance.
37.
Meeting day travelers. Frost has a small hostage and delivers the classic villain speech: “We're the same person, dude.” We also got a lot of villainous plans revealed.
38.
This guy didn't feel like a worthy opponent for Blade… yet. However, his plan is underway, so I'm sure we'll get a third act update for Frost. I don't know how I feel about this plan to release the Blood God, but it might be cool.
39.
Frost greeted the child. I have a feeling the bus would have seen this guy but kept moving forward. Blade rushes to the rescue, but what a jerk driver.
40.
The villains have found refuge. Great braids, Quinn!
42.
Whistler lived long enough to convey the image of the “Chosen One.” Something about the direction of the second act really didn't work for me. It seemed much less daring than the first act.
44.
It's Bladin's time. Enter Act III.
45.
Frost has had a mustache this whole time and I just noticed? Either way, the whole villain talking to the prisoner thing doesn't take this movie anywhere.
46.
Quinn and Frost's interactions are by far the funniest in this film. The humorous potential in this film was there, if not overpowering, but it felt like it wanted to be more cool and serious rather than campy in the second act.
47.
Blade can come in.
48.
Again, the vampires' explosions make them seem like they're jumping off a comic book panel, even if they look dated. The rush of blood is still there. Whispers: More practical effects please.
49.
I love the opening of the bed, the planting and the payoff. But who is this woman?
50.
YAAAAAA! We're back, Act III! Frost became Blade's mother and is now by his side. This is the camp that wasn't in the movie for about an hour.
51.
Dr. Jensen is coming to the rescue! However, Frost's plan will almost certainly work, since Blade is already locked up and bleeding.
52.
Quinn with glasses! I'll miss this man when Blade freezes him.
53.
Yes! Dr. Jensen gives Blade some of her blood to drink. This finale really picks up the pace and delivers results.
54.
This shot of Frost is incredible. This movie has all the right vibes.
55.
I really liked the lightning effect on the council members, but it was ruined by the flying skeletons lol.
57.
Superhero Landing! By the way, the fit of the Blade is fantastic. Hats off to costume designer Sanja Milkovich Hayes.
58.
Quinn just got iced out. Blade gets his points back. It's fight time.
59.
We're getting a wilder Blade. This ending is already set up – great storytelling and setup for that final showdown.
60.
The whole fight sequence was very 90s. I miss the days when every choreography looked like John Wick. Was it banal style of that time? Certainly. But it was still stylish.
61.
Goodbye Frost. Blade: “Some motherfuckers are always trying to skate uphill” – that's A. QUOTE. FROM. QUOTES.
62.
The ending was very much like “see you next week.” Blade,“And I really liked it. This movie was 2/3 stunning with Snipes and his character's backstory carrying the movie. If you like comic book movies, you'll love this one. Hellboy (2004), and wonder if it inspired much inspiration. I give it two silver thumbs up.
What are you thinking about Blade (1998)? Comment below!
