The Lost Boys Review

This week we’re taking a look at a classic: The Lost Boys. Quintessential 80s (it came out in 1987) this movie is both of its time, and completely timeless. Back when vampires might be attractive, but you still wouldn’t want to date them (and only Kiefer Sutherland could pull off a mullet).

Spoilers Ahead

The Lost Boys starts with single mom Lucy (Dianne Wiest) and her sons, Michael and Sam (Jason Patric and Corey Haim) moving back to her hometown, Santa Carla (really Santa Cruz, which at one time was known as “The Murder Capital of the World,” inspiring the graffiti we see as the family drives into town).

It doesn’t take long for chaos to ensue, and the brothers discover there’s more to Santa Carla than hippies, bikers, and rampant unemployment. Older brother Michael gets mixed up with the wrong (undead) crowd, and younger brother Sam enlists the help of a couple of wacky locals (the Frog brothers, Edgar and Allan, played by Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander) who have dedicated themselves to eradicating the vampire menace. It all comes down to living long enough to kill the head vampire in order to save Michael and his fellow half-vampires, Star (Jamie Gertz) and Laddie (Chance Michael Corbitt).

The awesome cast is rounded out by main vampires David, Marko, Dwayne, and Paul (played by Kiefer Sutherland, Alex Winter, Billy Wirth, and Brooke McCarter); Grandpa (Barnard Hughes); and Lucy’s new boss/love interest, Max (Edward Herrmann). Oh, and Cody as Nanook, Sam’s dog (and the dog doesn’t die!)

The chemistry between the characters, particularly between Sam and the Frog brothers is so good. This was the start of the Two Coreys, which was a whole cultural phenomenon in and of itself. Grandpa is one of my favourite characters–and he gets the best line of the movie (the one at the end). And who could forget this guy:

This is Timmy Cappello, professional saxophonist. The 80s were all about the sax. No one is really sure why, but this guy undoubtedly had something to do with it.

The movie’s also got some fine cinematography and sets, and a great soundtrack. The opening shot of the camera swooping over the ocean and into the carnival, where we catch our first glimpse of David, is perfect, not least because of the music chosen (the chanting boys choir that’s used throughout– love it). We’re also treated to Echo and the Bunnymen’s version of “People Are Strange” (originally by the Doors). It should be noted that The Lost Boys broke ground by being the first movie to feature teenage vampires (or at least, vampires that look like teenagers).

But what’s the point of all that unless the vampires are worth watching?

Luckily, they’re fantastic. First of all, I like that Schumacher et al didn’t give everything away too soon. You don’t see a full-out vampire (fangs, bumpy profiles, red-rimmed yellow eyes) until 1:01:30 into the movie. They’re also the perfect mix of human and monster (for me, anyway). Restrained David is just as good as brutal David (the beach scene, where he bites into the bald head of a victim and the blood shoots out–what’s not to love?) Kiefer makes the character his own, and I can’t imagine anyone else in the role.

The makeup is also really good, especially considering the year this was made. There’s something to be said for practical effects and subtlety. Side note: I don’t know if the actors practiced talking with the fangs in, or if the fangs were particularly well made or what, but I was happy that there was no lisping among the vampires, which even the Buffy vamps have been known to do.

The vampire mythology is a mix of traditional and innovative. Full vampires can hover/fly and have the ability to hypnotize, but they have to avoid sunlight, fire, stakes, and holy water. They sleep hanging upside down, like bats, using their clawed feet to hang on, and they don’t have reflections. Half vampires have drunk a vampire’s blood, but haven’t killed anyone yet; once they do, they become full vampires. Killing the head vampire reverts all half vampires to human, and kills all the full vampires.

The title is a reference to the Lost Boys in Peter Pan, young boys who never grow up and never die.

The Blu-Ray comes with some excellent bonus content, including “A World of Vampires,” an interactive map with a bit on vampire legends from around the world. It’s fascinating to see the similarities in vampire legends/mythology among diverse cultures, sometimes spanning the globe. There’s also an interesting bit on the evolution of the Slavic vamp into our modern image of vampires. This is why streaming isn’t always the best option.

While the movie does look dated now, you can think of it as a period piece (then again, I hear mullets are making a comeback). You’ll probably never see The Lost Boys on any “Top Movies of All Time” lists, which is a shame because there’s a lot to love about it. Still, it’ll always be one of the best vampire films; one that any fan should watch. And then watch again a few more times.

Have you seen The Lost Boys? What did you think of it? Share in the comments…

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Aspasía S. Bissas

Review: Morbius

As soon as I heard about Morbius coming out, I was excited to see it. And then the reviews started coming in.

Spoilers Ahead

I should mention that I haven’t read the comic book, so I won’t be comparing the movie to it at all. My SO has read it and he said he was never a fan of the character, who started out as a Spider-Man villain and ended up being more of a neutral character. If movie Morbius is anything like comic book Morbius, I can see why he wasn’t a fan.

Morbius is about Michael Morbius, a man with a chronic (and ultimately deadly) disease that he’s vowed to cure. In pursuit of a cure he creates artificial blood that has somehow saved more lives than penicillin, but still can’t save his own. So he crosses over to the unethical side of research, importing (sigh) vampire bats from Costa Rica and using them to create a serum that when fused with his own DNA will, theoretically, finally be the cure he’s been looking for.

And then it goes horribly wrong. Oh no– what an unforeseen tragedy that no one could have foreseen.

It wasn’t just the story and main character that were underwhelming. Starting with the opening shot of scenery suddenly interrupted by a helicopter entering from behind the camera, I felt like I’d seen this movie a thousand times before. From the cinematography to the acting to the writing– it was all just so pointless. There’s no tension or mystery at all, no artistry; and the whole thing seems rushed, like everyone involved was just trying to get it over with. Twilight was by no means a good movie, but at least it tried.

By the way, I’m no fan of Twilight, but I’d rather watch the entire movie series in one sitting than sit through Morbius again. Bring on the sparkles.

The only bright-ish spot in the entire movie was Michael’s best friend, Lucian AKA Milo (played by Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith). Milo also has the disease Michael has and is desperate to be cured, taking the serum in secret. Michael then immediately treats Milo as though he’s a monster/pure evil because he doesn’t want to go back to a painful life and early death. At least Milo embraces being a vampire and exudes some menace, unlike mopey Michael. At no point does Michael consider finding a way to live with being a vampire, like finding a source of human blood without the need to kill people (blood bank blood maybe? Idk). He immediately concludes that his serum is a curse with intolerable side effects (i.e., becoming a vampire) and it’s best to just give up rather than try to find a way to make it work. No wonder Milo isn’t on board.

The movie ends with a predictable twist and the worst post-credit scenes I’ve seen. I’m honestly not sure why Morbius was made; it doesn’t add anything to vampire lore, and I can’t see it adding anything worthwhile to the Spider-verse (like Spider-Man, Morbius is a Marvel character licensed by Sony, so technically not part of the MCU). Milo isn’t even around anymore to possibly make things more interesting in future movies.

If you’re a stickler for watching everything Marvel related, then go ahead and watch Morbius. If you want to see a decent vampire flick, then go watch Lost Boys, or What We Do in the Shadows, or yes, even Twilight (at least you can laugh at it). The critics were right, Morbius sucks, and not in a good way.

What did you think of Morbius? Share in the comments…

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5 of the Count's Best Crossovers

 

Photo via the BBC.

Over the 123 years he’s been with us, Dracula has encountered all sorts of other characters, some more memorable than others. Here are some of my favourite Count crossovers…

Dracula vs. King Arthur

After making a deal with Lucifer to become a vampire, Lucifer then decides to send Dracula back to Arthurian times to take over the world. Hi-jinks ensue over the course of this comic book’s four-issue run. It’s maybe not the best-executed crossover (Lucifer wants to send Dracula back in time to before vampires existed so the Count can start turning humans and spreading evil– so why send him back to the time of legendary heroes? Why not to, I don’t know, any other time in history that wasn’t legendary?), but the concept of Dracula vs. King Arthur is a good one, and Camelot fighting Dracula is a fun idea (Merlin as sinister anti-hero doesn’t hurt, either).

Dracula vs. Frankenstein

As two of the most popular monsters, it’s no surprise that Dracula has faced off against Frankenstein*. In fact, the two have met many times over the years in movies like Dracula vs. Frankenstein and Les expériences érotiques de Frankenstein (ooh la la); pulp novels like Frankenstein Meets Dracula; and comic books, including The Frankenstein-Dracula War and A Story of Dracula, the Wolfman and Frankenstein, which came with a corresponding LP so you could listen to the story as you looked through the book. Whether you root for the undead or the reanimated, these stories have you covered.

*Yes, Frankenstein is the doctor, not the monster. It’s been over 200 years of people calling the monster Frankenstein– can we just accept it?

Dracula vs. Zorro

Zorro and Dracula meet on a ship heading to Europe and become instant enemies. Although it’s hate at first sight, the fight doesn’t get serious until they meet up in the catacombs of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris (as one does). As a fan of both Zorro and the Count I’m not sure who to root for in this mashup, although I am slightly disappointed that (spoiler) Dracula doesn’t turn Zorro. Now that would be an interesting story…

Dracula vs. Sherlock Holmes

I don’t know why I was surprised that Dracula has met up with Sherlock Holmes, but he has– and numerous times, too. I haven’t seen or read any of the existing versions (yet), but there’s one Dracula/Sherlock crossover I would love to see, and that’s one put together by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, creators of the BBC’s Sherlock and Dracula (2020). It’s true I didn’t really enjoy their Dracula miniseries earlier this year, and the last season of Sherlock left a lot to be desired, but if the two of them were inspired and brought their A game, they could make a crossover for the ages with their versions of these characters. Dare we hope?

Dracula vs. Batman

It’s definitely worth seeking out the animated The Batman vs. Dracula if you’re a fan of either character. Based on The Batman TV series, the story brings Dracula to Gotham, while also featuring some of the typical characters you’d expect, like Penguin and Joker. The movie touches on the influence of Dracula on Batman, which I appreciate. The animation is fantastic, especially for Dracula and the other vampires. I actually reviewed this movie years ago, if you feel like taking a look (I have since come to appreciate Dracula more as a character). I don’t think there are any plans for a sequel, but I would love to see more Dracula-Batman stories.

There are other great Dracula crossovers, but I’m going to save those for another post. In the meantime, which is your favourite (including those not mentioned here)? Who would you like to see Dracula go up against? Share in the comments…

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Dracula Around the World

Dracula Adult Panto in South Africa

It's probably safe to say that most of us in English-speaking countries are familiar with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. If we haven't read the book, we know the character, and it's likely we've seen at least one adaptation. But how do other countries view the Count?

Spain: Drácula

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8848632

Lobby Card

Drácula, a 1931 Spanish film adaptation of Stoker’s work, was filmed at night using the same sets as the 1931 English version starring Bela Lugosi. Because the Spanish crew got to see the English dailies every night, they had a chance to adjust camera angles and other details to produce what many fans believe is a superior film.

 

Japan: Evil of Dracula

Evil of Dracula

Toshio Kurosawa in Evil of Dracula.

Evil of Dracula (original title: Chi o suu bara “Bloodsucking Rose”) is the third part of a Japanese trilogy, known as the Bloodthirsty Trilogy, of Dracula adaptations (some more loosely adapted than others). In this version, the vampire bites his victims on the breast, rather than on the neck (hey, it was the 70s).

 

South Korea: Dracula, the Musical

Dracula, The Musical, poster in Seoul

Dracula, The Musical, debuted in South Korea in 2014, starring Kim Jun-su in the titular role. Although based on a 2004 Broadway musical, the Korean version seems uniquely their own. This post has plenty of photos and info, including lyrics to one of the songs. Anyone else think North America could use a rebooted musical Dracula, including the pink hair?

 

South Africa: Dracula Adult Panto

Another stage adaptation, Dracula Adult Panto brings the gender-bent Count(ess) to South Africa, along with a dash of humour and an LGBT+ twist. At the end of the show, the venue transforms into a dance floor, and attendees spend the rest of the night partying.

 

Greece: Tomb of Dracula aka Κόμης Δράκουλας

Tomb of Dracula, Greek version

Not a unique adaptation, but I thought the Greek edition of Marvel’s Tomb of Dracula was worth a share. Interestingly, in Greek his title can translate to either Count or Earl (you’ve heard of Earl Grey–now tremble before Earl Dracula!) I wish my parents had thought to pick me up a few copies of these when I was a kid; alas, my Greek-language education remained pitifully vampire free.

Which is your favourite non-English version of Dracula? Is there another one you think I should know about? Share in the comments…

Cheers,

Aspasia S. Bissas

(Originally posted on my official website: https://aspasiasbissas.com/2019/05/26/world-dracula-day/ for World Dracula Day, Please like and follow there.)

Dracula!

Although Bram Stoker wasn't the first to write about vampires, his character (and book) started an ongoing obsession with vampires, inspiring countless variations over the decades, including dozens of versions of Dracula alone. Many of what we now consider essential characteristics of vampires: aversion to sunlight and garlic, lack of reflection, supernatural powers, vulnerable to a stake through the heart--all came from Dracula. A few have been discarded over the years too--how many modern vampires have hairy palms or need to keep the soil of their homeland handy? If you're a vampire fan and you haven't read Dracula yet--drop everything and get yourself a copy.

Nosferatu is an early, unauthorized, movie based on Dracula. The names were changed (Dracula became Count Orlok, for example) but that wasn't enough to keep Stoker's widow from suing (and eventually giving up after the film company went bankrupt and copies of the movie got out anyway). You can't beat Nosferatu, or Max Schreck's Count, for atmosphere, dramatic visuals, and general creepiness.

 Although Bela Lugosi may be the definitive Count Dracula (and no one is disputing that he did a great job), but Christopher Lee gets my vote for best film Dracula. Imposing and intense, it's hard not to agree that Lee is pretty awesome in this role (I'm not sure he really needs hypnotic powers--he'd do fine all on his own).

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV39nnA8mGc?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Go to video

I have to admit I'm not a fan of Coppola's version, Bram Stoker's Dracula (an inaccurate title, by the way), but I do enjoy Gary Oldman's performance in it. He seems to embrace the character, especially when he surreptitiously licks Harker's bloody razor, which is my favourite moment of the entire film:

Here's the entire scene if you want some context:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzxXCjeMV2A?rel=0&start=00&w=560&h=315]

 Go to video

One of my absolute favourite portrayals of Dracula is in Buffy in the episode "Buffy vs. Dracula." It's a great episode overall (who doesn't love Xander as Renfield?) and Rudolf Martin does a fantastic job as Dracula. Aside from the show, Dracula makes an appearance in several Buffyverse comic books (scroll down to Appearances for the full list). It's well worth tracking them down (if for no other reason than to find out whether Spike ever gets the eleven pounds Dracula owes him).

And lastly (on what is by no means a comprehensive list), what's not to like about Community's Troy attempting to put together a cool Halloween costume by becoming a "sexy Dracula"? ;)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_AViiBbkBw?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Go to video

What's your favourite version of Dracula? Share in the comments...

Cheers,

Aspasia S. Bissas

 

 

 

Dark Shadows Trailer

Johnny Depp (as usual) looks great in this. The rest of it, not so much. Fish out of water vampire? Sigh. I know I'll get flak for criticizing Saint Burton but his movies are increasingly becoming more about style than substance (that's not really new but it's getting excessive now). And can he make any movies anymore that aren't remakes (and mostly mediocre ones, at that)? In addition I have to mention how tired I am of seeing Helena Bonham Carter in every single movie he makes. Yeah, you're in a relationship with her--we get it. Honestly, I miss Lisa Marie. I think Dark Shadows would have been better off in someone else's hands.

Bram Stoker International Film Festival

Bram Stoker International Film Festival - Whitby, England from Bram Stoker Film Fest on Vimeo.

If you're wondering whether it's worth the trip to Whitby (England) this October for what has been described as the "best genre festival in the world" then this video might help.

More info on the festival here.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Trailer

This. Looks. Awesome. And you definitely can't go wrong with a voiceover by Johnny Cash. June 22 can't come soon enough.

Breaking Dawn Official Trailer

Trailer: Stake Land

Stake Land looks awesome. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a vampire plague is running rampant, what few uninfected humans remain struggle to survive, including orphaned Martin (Connor Paolo, Gossip Girl), who finds a dubious ally in a hunter known as "Mister" (Nick Damici, The Black Donnellys).

I'm definitely a fan of the VILF genre of vampires but I have to say it's nice to see a movie where the only contact you'd want with the monsters is when your stake contacts their undead hearts. Giving the zombie treatment to vamps is also a step in the right direction of reminding us why vampires are still scary.

Stake Land won the Midnight Madness Audience Award at TIFF 2010 and will be released in theatres 22 April. Can't wait.

Trailer & Clip: The Bleeding

Oh, Michael Madsen--what have you lowered yourself to? Playing second fiddle to DMX and (gag) Kat Von D. Even I can't use the vampires as an excuse to watch this movie, which seems to aspire to being a hybrid of Buffy, From Dusk 'til Dawn, and John Carpenter's Vampires (and from what little I've seen of it, utterly fails). But judge for yourself (and don't say you weren't warned).

THE BLEEDING: Movie Trailer. Watch more top selected videos about: DMX, Michael Madsen

Clip: Iwai Shunji's Vampire

Courtesy of Sundance (where it was screened), a short clip of Iwai Shunji's Vampire, a movie about a "new" kind of vampire, as well as an interview with Shunji about his movie. I've read some negative comments about Vampire, but I think it's probably still worth checking out. It can't be worse than some of the other movies I've seen (I hope).

Trailer: Midnight Son

I've got to say, of all the trailers I've seen and posted lately, Midnight Son stands out the most. From what I can tell the story looks well developed, the acting is decent, and the production values are high. And the "Midnight Son" of the movie's title is easy on the eyes, which is not always a given when it comes to vampires (although always much appreciated). Even less common in most vamp flicks are interesting human characters, which (again from what I can tell) seem to be in abundance in this movie. Definitely high on the must-see list.

Want to find out more (like how to get this film into your local theatre)? Click here.

Trailer: The Death of Alice Blue

So many vampires, so little time. But I think it'll be worth fitting in The Death of Alice Blue. It's indie, it's Canadian, it's got a great tagline ("And you thought you had a dead-end job"), and it co-stars one of my favourite actors Kris Holden-Ried (currently playing Dyson on Lost Girl, but I've been a fan since I first saw him on Riverdale...) What more could you ask for?

Alice Blue website.

Vampire Leia Giclee

Reproduced from ILM's 2008 Hallowe'en party invitation, you can now purchase your very own limited edition 10 x 14" giclee of "Leia Vamp." Cool collectible or just another way to line George Lucas's already overstuffed pockets? You decide, but either way you can get your own here.

Trailer: By Her Hand, She Draws You Down

Part of the Vampire Film Fest (and the VFF trailer contest), this one is creepy and disturbing. Must see.

Trailer: The Last Vampire on Earth

I'm not entirely enthused about this one--the production values are looking a little low rent. Also, hello creepy leading man (and I don't mean in a good way). But I'm still intrigued by the concept so it gets a place on the to-see list...eventually.

Trailer: Hero

Another movie for the must-see list (although preferably with subtitles). It's about a bullied Korean student who becomes a vampire and embraces his newfound powers. He's hailed as a hero after saving a blind person from being hit by a train, only to have his friends start questioning the source of his abilities and the true nature of what he's become. Deep, only, you know, with blood and violence.

Trailer: Renfield the Undead

Speaking of anti-glitter vampires, prepare yourselves for Renfield the Undead, the latest take on the Dracula mythology, this time centred on Dracula's servant (and now successor) Renfield. Personally, my vote for the best version of a Dracula "sequel" goes to Buffy, both the show (Season 5 premiere episode "Buffy vs. Dracula") and the Season 8 comics (various issues). But that's not to say I'm not happy to check out all the latest additions to the Dracula mythos. Bring them on!


Renfield The Undead Trailer

Trailer: 30 Days of Night: Dark Days

Vampires that are...scary? The devil you say! I'm a fan of 30 Days of Night, although the jury's still out on this upcoming (5 October) direct to dvd release. Still, it's a nice contrast to glitter, pop culture witticisms, and vampires you can bring home to mom.



Cast and crew interviews from Comic Con: