Blade (1998) turned out to be much better than I initially expected. The primary reason I decided to watch it was the iconic vampire club fight scene at the beginning, which remains the standout moment of the movie. Whether you love or dislike the film, it’s hard to deny how gripping that scene is. Originally, I planned to watch this movie much later, but its intriguing premise pushed me to squeeze it into my schedule—and I’m so glad I did.
The movie exceeded my expectations with its thrilling action, intense fight scenes, and surprisingly engaging storyline. The R rating allowed it to fully embrace the darker, bloodier aspects of its vampire-superhero hybrid genre, something that many Marvel films at the time shied away from. The characters were well-written and brought to life by a solid cast, with Wesley Snipes delivering a stellar performance as the calm and collected Blade. He balanced the character’s stoicism with moments of genuine emotion, making him a compelling protagonist.
Supporting actors like Kris Kristofferson (Whistler), Stephen Dorff (Deacon Frost), and N'Bushe Wright (Karen) added depth to the story, and their performances were noteworthy. The late 1990s aesthetic gave the film a unique style, though at times it felt a bit like a music video due to the use of fast-forwarding and choppy editing. Despite this, the cinematography stood out, and the film managed to feel fresh and visually distinct, especially considering its time.
The CGI is dated by today’s standards, but for the late 1990s, it was serviceable. While some effects were glaringly bad, they didn’t detract too much from the overall experience. Given that this was the first installment of a trilogy, the budgetary limitations were understandable, and the groundwork laid here helped elevate the sequels.
What impressed me most was how Blade managed to succeed as a comic book movie at a time when the genre was struggling. Released during an era when films like Spawn and the Batman sequels were failing to resonate with audiences, Blade stood out with its gritty tone and solid execution. The absence of overt Marvel branding also meant many viewers didn’t even realize it was based on a comic book, adding to its understated charm.
The final act of the film was particularly strong, with unexpected twists, emotionally charged moments, and exhilarating action sequences. One main character’s death scene was especially impactful—though it was reversed in the sequel, it still packed a punch.
All in all, Blade remains a standout film in the superhero genre, paving the way for future Marvel successes. Despite its flaws, it holds a special place as a trailblazer, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys action-packed, stylish movies. I can’t wait to revisit the next two installments of the trilogy.