 |
|
After a rather
unspectacular opening, it's pretty clear where we
stand. The budget is low, and Sticky Fingaz (rapper
turned actor) is basically imitating Wesley Snipes
doing Blade. Rather than take his own personality
and attribute it to the character of Blade, Mr.
Fingaz seeks only to imitate Snipes. Suggestion from
the director, or his own choice, either one is still
an incredible misstep. Fingaz even imitates Snipes'
slight African accent, with no avail.
The accent jumps in and
out, and there are expected changes to the plot. Now
Blade has an entourage comprised of your usual
characters, and the wolf pack, Whistler, Deacon
Frost et al are all basically forgotten, and or
never mentioned. Maybe it's permanent or maybe
they're saving it for (wishful thinking on their
part) future seasons. I liked the "Blade" series.
While "Blade" may not have been a masterpiece, its
successors were entertaining. It was only obvious a
spin-off/series would be attempted. And it's still a
great idea.
"Blade" could end up
being a harder edged "Angel" with the same cult
status and fan following, but it's short sighted. I
have nothing against Sticky Fingaz, I'm sure he's a
committed actor, and Onyx was a pretty kick ass hip
hop band, but "Blade" really isn't the best vehicle,
even if it does last for more than one season. Take
into account the short shelf life of series on
Spike, add to the short shelf life of series on
basic cable, and the short shelf lives of comic book
live action series, and "Blade" doesn't stand a
chance. And there are many reasons why.
|
|
The show is aimed at men
and only at men, so that means there is no
characterization, no focus on plot, and we're left
with many random scenes of Blade looking for a
criminal while engaging in simplistic and awfully
clunky choreography, while the obligatory
cop/potential love interest/confidant is slowly
introduced in the pilot.
Along with an odd
walk-on by Randy Quaid, "Blade" really has no real
aspirations to be more than a simple guy stalking
vampires in the city series. And that will spell
doom for a short life on television. And the series
trails so far away from the films, that it will be
unrecognizable to fans. Blade is vulnerable to sun
light, no allusions or hints are made to past
storylines or characters, and the pilot is utterly
boring. Goyer, who has a knack for dialogue, really
doesn't even seem to be trying here. Characters look
bored, the small cast is bland, and the plot is
utterly listless. "Blade" may not be a terrible
series judging only by the pilot, but it's not a
good enough series to inspire me to sit through more
episodes to find out if it redeems itself.
-
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Every Wednesday
on Spike TV
6/28/06
|
|
