Review of Daybreakers (2010) by Paul R — 15 May 2013

Daybreakers is a sporadicly entertaining, gore filled vamp action romp set in a world where almost all humans are vampires. Humans are endangered and blood is running out fast. We follow Ethan Hawke's Edward, a vamp Haematologist charged with finding a blood substitute.

The story just cries out for a quality film and the ideas the Spierig Brothers address have a lot of scope...It's packed full of vamp lore and great concept ideas for vamps living in a world with a sun, the cars, the streets, the coffee shops - it's a great little world they have created.

.. but something just doesn't work. Perhaps it's the lack of character development which first detracts from the film, or maybe the set-up-for-a-sequel ending that made me feel a little short changed, and its disappointing that Ethan Hawke just seems confused and bored throughout.

We do get quality performances from the sinister Sam Neill and the always wonderful Willem Dafoe, but this is not enough to drag Daybreakers from the realms of good to the list of greats. Although Daybreakers was entertaining in parts - In the already oversaturated Vamp genre this doesn't make the top of the list.

If you want a vamp fix - give "30 Days of Night", "Thirst" or "Let the Right One In" a watch.