Starring Wesley Snipes, N'Bushe Wright, Stephen Dorff and Kris Kristofferson
Written by David S. Goyer:
Directed by Stephen Norrignton
Written by David S. Goyer:
Directed by Stephen Norrignton
Need I say more? I saw this movie in the cinema and the sheer badassness in the opening scene will never ever be trumped. I will never ever see something like that in thecinema again. Not only that, the movie was very enjoyable and it has been said a lot of times and I will repeat it. Marvel should thank Wesley Snipes on their hands and kneesfor showing you can make a good comic adaptation and for saving Marvel's ass. Too bad Marvel let its ass get fucked by the mouse.
-Bop's review of Blade (Greatest Heroes of Black Cinema, The Supernaughts-2016)
With all this talk about the Black Panther film being the
first Black Superhero or character based from a comicbook, I thought I’d shine
some light on this sudden “revisionist’s history”. Although Black Panther is a
major film backed by Disney, there was this one somewhat lesser known film that
not only preceded it, but in fact, became this catalyst for the soon to be
Marvel renaissance in cinema!
Back during the mid-Nineties, there were a minuscule
assortment of comicbook flicks. Aside from the Schumacher Batman franchise,
other pulp movies have made their debut, most notably those which primarily
consist of African Americans as the lead character.
Fast forward a few years from that era and you have what is seen as a major gamble. Actor Wesley Snipes (New Jack City, Demolition Man, White Man can't jump) originally wanted to develop a film based on Marvel's Black Panther, however the project did not come to fruition as many, including yours truly, would hope.
Thus, Snipes had diverted his attention toward another Black
themed hero from the Marvel Universe. But this time, it’s a less known
character who would be considered 5th or even 6th tier.
This titular character is based on the rather obscure, if
not cult favorite vampire slayer who debuted in Marvel Comics' Tomb of Dracula
series. Blade is half vampire, half human thanks to a tragic incident (Used as
a prelude in the film.) where Eric Brooks pregnant mother who was attacked by a
vampire prior to her giving birth.
As a "side effect" Eric is gifted with superhuman
abilities i.e. strength, speed and reflexes. And unlike most of his Vampire
brethren, Blade is immune to sunlight, UV rays, crucifixes and holy water (well, the last two weapons have no effect on Vampires from this cinematic tale anyways.)
ergo "All of their strengths and none of their weaknesses.
ergo "All of their strengths and none of their weaknesses.
From the start of this film, I was impressed with the
introduction of this character during the rave club scene owned by main antagonist Deacon Frost (Dorff) where some partygoer
is led into a blood-soaked dance floor intended to be some appetizer for a huge
group of "hangry" Vampires until a dark leather cloaked figure
crashes the party and this is where the fun really begins!
Blade not only demonstrates his arsenal of swords, machine
pistols, A stake firing shotgun along with his "Bladerang", but his
martial arts prowess making him a certified badass. Finally, there's a
potential to break Marvel's losing streak in cinema history! Sure, 1989's
Punisher was a fun actioner, but it wasn't what most would say, "Box
Office" compatible and don't get me started on Albert Pyun's Captain
America. Not only was cap plagued by poor production values, a weak script,
cheesy dialog followed by an environment message, but the actor who played
Steve Rogers, Matt Salinger, looks nothing like Captain America!
Blade's objective is to prevent Frost, a young
reckless underling of a shadowy Vampire cabal from obtaining the power of the La Magra with his blood being part of the maguffin, he discovers a shocking revelation about his origin. Frost I suppose,
was to Blade as the Joker is to Batman. And it’s no mere coincidence of how the
hero comes into proximity with his nemesis. Part of the narrative can be
compared with 1989's Batman be it the unveiling of who "killed"
Blade's mother (Compare: Bruce Wayne's parents) the potential love interest,
Karen and of course fight scenes against the villain's henchmen.
But despite those comparisons, Blade's tone has more weight
than Tim Burton's Batman.
The plot is more streamlined, the pacing is great as you see
Blade follows the trails of unraveling what or how powerful the spirits of the twelve ( La Magra the Blood God) can be, leading to an amusing face to face encounter with Deacon Frost
.
“Oh, so
it's back to pretending we're human again? C'mon... spare me the Uncle Tom
routine, okay? You can't keep denying what you are, man. You think the humans
will ever accept a half-breed like you? They can't. They're afraid of you. And
they should be. You're an animal, you're a fuckin' maniac”!
This was one of the more important scenes that stood out for
me due to its brilliant use of meta.
Be it racial undertones, the caste system or the
metaphorical dialogue of Vampirism being compared to a sexual disease. All
without the need to off heavy handed or preachy.
“How'd you
get that scar, Deacon? A born vampire would have the power to regenerate from
birth. You must've gotten scarred before you were turned. Isn't that right?
Vampires like you aren't a species. You're just infected, a virus, a sexually
transmitted dis...”
This movie isn’t as dark or nihilistic as some would assume
based on its premise, as a matter of fact, what humor that is implemented, is
well timed. I couldn't help but laugh hysterically when Blade accosts a
familiar, then picks his pockets.
Dr. Karen
Jenson: “Oh, great. Now you're robbing him. You gonna rob me, too”?
Blade: “How
do you think that we fund this organization, huh? We're not exactly the March
of Dimes”
That was just an example of the many quirky lines throughout
the movie and by then you know Blade isn't your average comicbook movie, but
something refreshing.
Snipes had given so much creative output to not only the
film, but the titular character in general the “bladerang” was technically his
idea as was the Asian culture and philosophy that’s not only limited to Martial
Arts but a poignant scene that entails Eric slices the base of a plant, that is some
symbolic gesture of a mentor’s passing, (I’m sure by now, many of you readers
are aware who this person is.) and how the student is now the master but not before getting some serious payback. Blade’s persona
has a modicum of swagger, is stoic, ruthless and yet uncompromising toward his enemies
as seen when he takes no prisoners after the death of his friend and mentor.
The rest of the cast adding more credibility to this movie, Stephen
Dorf is unforgettable as the cocky and sadistic Deacon Frost who also has his share
of cool dialogue while Kris Kristofferson’s Abraham Whisker has his moments. “Catch
you fuckers at a bad time” never gets old! N’bushe Wright as Karen Jenson isn’t
your garden variety Damsel in distress archetype, she’s not only resourceful
but fierce when shit gets real. In some ways, the narrative feels as if it’s
told from her perspective since she’s vital to the story since she was the one who tapped into Eric's conscience after being bitten by Frost's top henchman during the first 20 minutes in.
Blade is one of the few if not many movies I can never get bored
of each time I happen to catch it on Cable, Streaming services or even when
watching it from my Blu-Ray collection.
The kick ass and I do mean kickass, fight scenes toward the
end sets the standards in modern age action films, the cinematography is refreshing and let’s not forget how influential
Blade is, whether it’s the black leather fashion, swordplay or the bulletime
effect which preceded that of the Matrix films! Also, it served as an inspiration to a few videogame characters from Tekken's Raven to Devil May Cry's Dante. Marvel owes a debt of gratitude
to Wesley Snipes who made something out of an obscure Comics character in lieu
of not making a film based on the first Black Superhero. And now, as of this
writing, the Black Panther movie has finally come to light after being stuck in
development hell for over twenty years.
Snipes may have not been directly responsible for the new
Black Panther movie, but it was both his and David Goyer’s contributions that
paved the way for Panther and the Marvel films before and afterward.
