Blade (1998)

On this date in 1998, the first in the series of “Blade” films made its American premiere.

Wesley Snipes stars as the title character, who is half-human and half-vampire and essentially has the best qualities of each. Living in a world where vampires are known to exist and are attempting to take over the human race, Blade challenges the leader of the vampires, the detestable Deacon Frost.

Snipes is excellent in the role of Blade, playing him with a brooding but heroic demeanor. Stephen Dorff also tackles the role of Deacon Frost very nicely, giving the vampire a mix of arrogance, ambition, and overconfidence.

Another strength of the film is the choreography used in the fight sequences, in particular the climactic sword battle between Blade and Frost. And Donal Logue adds a nice touch of comedy as Frost’s chief lieutenant, the wisecracking Quinn.

Filled with action, intriguing characters, and a host of catchy one-liners, “Blade” is one of the better vampire films of the last 30 years. It might not be a deep film, but it is certainly entertaining.

Three and a half stars for “Blade.”