FILM REVIEW

"Blade Trinity"
Written and Directed by David S. Goyer
Starring Wesley Snipes, Ryan Reynolds, and Jessica Biel

Entertainment
Art

By ALAN SIMONIS

As a former comic book junkie, I'm not quite sure what to make of the current crop of comic to film translations. On one hand, it is kind of neat to see the hobby that consumed so much of my attention (and expendable income) as a kid get its due recognition. On the other hand, it's a shame that many of these films aren't particularly good, which brings me today to "Blade Trinity."

The Blade films have an interesting history in the world of comic book movies; the first film was made in 1998, right before the genre really hit it big. I'd wager that, at the time, the fact that no one realized that it was based on a comic probably helped the film immeasurably; for all people knew it was just another goofy movie about vampires.

Still though, the original "Blade" was something of a surprise hit in theaters and on home video, and eventually generated two sequels. The first was 2002's aptly titled "Blade II", the second being the recently released "Trinity". None of these films are all that great mind you, but since they're all slightly profitable they just keep making them!

Granted, on a certain level the Blade movies do provide a bit of escapist fun, not unlike an extended session of Grand Theft Auto, Doom, or any other ultra-violent videogame of your choosing. However, that doesn't particularly qualify them as great cinematic efforts— one only needs to take a close look at the people involved to come to that conclusion. Exhibit A: they all star Wesley Snipes. Furthermore, unlike the X-Men films, which hurl CGI boulders at Royal Shakespeareans and fly Academy Award Winners around on wires, the first "Blade" featured performances from former porn star Traci Lords, Kris Kristofferson (sporting the drugged out Kenny Rogers look) as Blade's mentor Whistler, and the Ethan Hawke doppelganger Stephen Dorff as the heavy.

As amusing as that may seem, that pales in comparison to the cast list for "Blade Trinity." Kristofferson is back, still looking like the Gambler's mug shot; but that's not all: former sitcom star Ryan Reynolds and teen drama queen Jessica Biel costar as Blade's primary sidekicks. Additionally two refugees from Christopher Guests' troupe of Improv actors (John Michael Higgins and Parker Posey) turn up as vampires, as does professional wrestler Triple H. Mix in cameos from stand-up comedian/King of Queens actor Patton Oswalt, character actor Eric Bogosian, and indie movie favorite Natasha Lyonne, and I think you see what I mean; this is the kind of cast that Ed Wood could only dream of. How these people all came together to make the third installment in a vampire comic book series, I'll never know.

However, despite the patchwork cast of quasi-celebrities, the Blade series would've been workable with good stories and decent direction. Unfortunately those two qualities, both the product of writer/director David S. Goyer, were lacking in the films, especially "Trinity." The look of the film (specifically art design, shot selection, pacing, and editing) comprises one gigantic conflict in the ongoing battle between style and substance, with style coming in way ahead on points. For example, believability and realistic action have been sacrificed so that Snipes and company can strike cool poses in the fight scenes. In general, Goyer has the directorial sense of the average music video shooter.

Goyer's writing style is also all sizzle, no steak. He has a knack for overly macho hipster dialogue – this tone can work in these superhero flicks, but in this case it came off as forced and phony. Believe me, if I want to hear a string of glib insubstantial half-witticisms, I'll read my own writing. Reynolds' character, vampire hunter Hannibal King, seems particularly susceptible to Goyer's voice of choice. Every pop culture laden line is dripping with irony and laced with sarcasm, which throughout the film morphs from mildly amusing, to grating, to irritating, and so on. That's all the character is really, just a macho façade; you try to peek around and see if there's anything behind it, but ultimately nothing's there. Same with Blade himself – no movie character has needed to emote less since Arnold in the first "Terminator".

Perhaps it's no surprise then that the actor most at home in the film is Triple H. Rumor has it that his role was greatly expanded by the producers once they saw how well he was performing. Of course, he's used to this kind of work; all through the film I half expected him to whip out a microphone and start in on Wesley: "Well let me tell ya Blade, I see you comin' out here every week runnin' your mouth…"

Not that the story is that great either – it's a basic action movie frame with vampire elements grafted on for show. A group of vampires decide to dig up Dracula (Dominic Purcell, the only guy in the film I didn't recognize), in order for him to be their leader. Their goal? Try to take over the world! I won't go into the details of their plan, but let's just say that the title isn't the only "Matrix" reference in the film; if my last name were Wachowski, I'd be considering legal action right now. By ANN FINSTAD

Anyway, Blade and friends attempt to foil the vampires' plot and, if possible, stop them once and for all by releasing an anti-vampire virus. One would imagine something like that would eventually come around after us too, but that's not really the film's concern – it's mostly interested in violence and action, and whittling down the cast. Along the way, some characters do die, others live… you know the drill. It's all pretty standard stuff, and with the exception of a killer Pomeranian, unfortunately it's pretty forgettable too.