Now, I know claiming a movie as "the greatest ever" is nearly impossible, even though there's a general consensus for films like The Godfather and Citizen Kane.
But Blade is very unique. There's a lot behind it that makes it stand out, but I want to go ahead and get some basics out of the way - cinematography, lead characters, and motives. For me, they are all top-notch and have been influential to me. So let me add some important points:
- Pre-MCU comic movie - even before X-Men and Spiderman
- Rated R Comic Book Movie
- A black lead
So, a black lead in a rated R comic book movie!
The scene with Blade and Frost in Daylight was very memorable to me. The slow-mo of the bullets flying out of Blade's gun was a very unique style and that sequence stuck with me. Right before that time, in high school (I wrote a lot), I always envisioned an action sequence with warriors dodging throwing stars in stylized slow-motion. I saw this in that sequence and it was important to me - everything I wanted for action films going forward.
But who can forget the opening dance club scene with the Confusion song? Nothing like that has ever happened. The closest feeling would be 2nd half of From Dusk till Dawn. I saw Blade opening day with my dad and there was cheering all during that first scene. And speaking of music, the Blade soundtrack is incredible from start to finish. Techno with high-quality action scenes was definitely set to a higher bar. When Ghost Dog came around, I immediate had a connection - sword fighting black lead, RZA soundtrack (and I was and still am more of a punk/metal fan).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6UXQ_9IRo8
I also loved Blade as a character He didn't speak much, but when he did, he was on-point. The fist pump after the stake shot, the smile right before throwing his blade around the circular room, and catching his sunglasses after cutting off Quinn's head - queue the techno!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3BcIftlU0A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTuGK7Ob2QI
I really liked the Karen character, as she seemed to hold her own and be sort of a partner for blade without worrying about making her a love interest. In fact, the film did a good job not bothering with that, while allowing her to make Blade look vulnerable. When on the other-hand, Mercury didn't have that depth, but was a side girl for Frost, so maybe that was the extent of her character.
If there's one 'aging' aspect of the film, it would be some of the CGI. Mainly the 'blood' sequences, from it running across the marble to the regeneration of Frost's hand. But the other CGI is certainly passable (though I'm not one to be picky about CGI - just like I can tell if something is an animatronic or puppet, I'm at peace with special effects). The scene with Karen and Mercury was poorly put together IMO, which kills momentum in an otherwise amazing sequence. Also, I think there should have been more scenes with Blade and Frost, to continue that build-up until the reveal.
On a family vacation, when Blade was just about out of theaters, we were in a hotel that had Blade to rent from their TV service. We had brought a mini TV/VCR combo, and my dad hooked it up and we recorded Blade. I took it home, got a red VHS clam shell, got a mini blade poster I put in as the sleeve, and had my very own early copy of Blade, watermark and all. Then, when it came out on DVD, it was the first DVD I bought. Either Blade or Army of Darkness was the first time I witnessed the concept of alternate ending.
Anyway, I could go on and on and I don't want to go into the sequels - maybe that can be another thread for later.
But Blade is very unique. There's a lot behind it that makes it stand out, but I want to go ahead and get some basics out of the way - cinematography, lead characters, and motives. For me, they are all top-notch and have been influential to me. So let me add some important points:
- Pre-MCU comic movie - even before X-Men and Spiderman
- Rated R Comic Book Movie
- A black lead
So, a black lead in a rated R comic book movie!
The scene with Blade and Frost in Daylight was very memorable to me. The slow-mo of the bullets flying out of Blade's gun was a very unique style and that sequence stuck with me. Right before that time, in high school (I wrote a lot), I always envisioned an action sequence with warriors dodging throwing stars in stylized slow-motion. I saw this in that sequence and it was important to me - everything I wanted for action films going forward.
But who can forget the opening dance club scene with the Confusion song? Nothing like that has ever happened. The closest feeling would be 2nd half of From Dusk till Dawn. I saw Blade opening day with my dad and there was cheering all during that first scene. And speaking of music, the Blade soundtrack is incredible from start to finish. Techno with high-quality action scenes was definitely set to a higher bar. When Ghost Dog came around, I immediate had a connection - sword fighting black lead, RZA soundtrack (and I was and still am more of a punk/metal fan).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6UXQ_9IRo8
I also loved Blade as a character He didn't speak much, but when he did, he was on-point. The fist pump after the stake shot, the smile right before throwing his blade around the circular room, and catching his sunglasses after cutting off Quinn's head - queue the techno!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3BcIftlU0A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTuGK7Ob2QI
I really liked the Karen character, as she seemed to hold her own and be sort of a partner for blade without worrying about making her a love interest. In fact, the film did a good job not bothering with that, while allowing her to make Blade look vulnerable. When on the other-hand, Mercury didn't have that depth, but was a side girl for Frost, so maybe that was the extent of her character.
If there's one 'aging' aspect of the film, it would be some of the CGI. Mainly the 'blood' sequences, from it running across the marble to the regeneration of Frost's hand. But the other CGI is certainly passable (though I'm not one to be picky about CGI - just like I can tell if something is an animatronic or puppet, I'm at peace with special effects). The scene with Karen and Mercury was poorly put together IMO, which kills momentum in an otherwise amazing sequence. Also, I think there should have been more scenes with Blade and Frost, to continue that build-up until the reveal.
On a family vacation, when Blade was just about out of theaters, we were in a hotel that had Blade to rent from their TV service. We had brought a mini TV/VCR combo, and my dad hooked it up and we recorded Blade. I took it home, got a red VHS clam shell, got a mini blade poster I put in as the sleeve, and had my very own early copy of Blade, watermark and all. Then, when it came out on DVD, it was the first DVD I bought. Either Blade or Army of Darkness was the first time I witnessed the concept of alternate ending.
Anyway, I could go on and on and I don't want to go into the sequels - maybe that can be another thread for later.
