Reel Critics

Clem Dominguez

If you can get past the first 20 minutes of vampire slayings, chopped

off body parts and pools of blood, “Blade II” is a very entertaining

movie. Wesley Snipes plays Blade, the half-man half-vampire, sometimes

called Day Walker. The name comes from Blade’s ability to operate in the

daylight, something that kills ordinary vampires. Blade has all the

powers of a vampire but none of its weaknesses. Those of us that saw the

original Blade of course know all this, but just in case, the first few

minutes are devoted to bringing us up to date.

His partner Whistler (Kris Kristofferson), who makes the vampire

killing weapons, rejoins Day Walker in the same role. Whistler’s

appearance is a little surprising since he was killed in the original

Blade. But Hollywood never seems to let little things like that stand in

the way of a good money making sequel. In their defense I have to admit

the story line for bringing Whistler back to life is very well conceived.

We also have a new kid on the killing team who served as Whistler’s

replacement in his absence, and who Whistler takes an immediate disliking

to.

All in all this is an action packed movie, with lots of killing,

fighting, surprises and even a little romance. I don’t recommend it for

the squeamish or for children, but for everyone else I think its worth

seeing. On my scale it gets a B -- for bloody.

* CLEM DOMINGUEZ, 57, is an aspiring screenwriter and film fanatic.