Review of Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995) by Topeka B — 16 Sep 2011

Dead and Loving It: A fun movie. Fun... you know, entertaining, enjoyable, relaxing, what most mortals seek... a film totally lacking in any of the profundity Hollywood finds at the of their Cracker Jack box.

One of our family's favorite films, DALI has come off the shelf many times, and it funnier every time.

Sure, if you enjoy the latest special affects, hate flicks, gory celebrations of serial killers or sparkly vampires, boring repetitions of the same tired CG gags, or some dumb blond with 42 tattoos trying to explain why anyone who works for a living is a soulless creature of darkness; this is not your movie. If anything starring the current ditsy dame or boy toy makes you feel like you are enduring a two hour sensory deprivation experiment for extra credit at an Ivy League college where they can't spell "standards," this might be your movie.

If you love campy movies, old sci-fi flicks, or anything that goes well with popcorn, you will probably enjoy DALI. And there's more! If you are fan of old sci-fi and old horror movies, this is your film. From the grossed out medical students, to the Tango, you will recognize the spoofs, even if you can't put your finger on the film.

Plus, you can actually watch this movie with children! Really! (There is a shadow scene, but it's quick, and I doubt any wee ones would "get it.").

When the dummy Dracula falls from the ceiling, we always laugh and make slurping noises along with Dracula sucking Lucy's blood.

Another factor, overlooked, is that this film is one of the most faithful to the old films, and the book, albeit it is more faithful to the old 30's movie version. (Get the DVD, Mel covers his homage in his commentary.) The only better version is the BBC classic 70's teleplay which shot many scenes directly from Stoker.

The film has a awesome soundtrack recalling many a fine old B flick. If Roger Corman had had Mel's budgets, he would have made a horror movie to match this spoof.

DALI was shot on a sound stage. Only one scene was shot outside on location. The result is a film of timeless beauty. A theatrical production carried by the physicality and delivery of the actors with straightforward props. The actors deliver their lines with melodramatic flair and delightful comic timing. DALI could be modified for civic theater (given some ingenuity and a couple of dancers).

Yes! This is NOT some stylish, clever comic delivering a potty mouth spiel with perfect timing designed to denigrate everyone beyond the left coast. So what!?!! It's fun!

A few lines:

"We have entered the realm of the supernatural.".

"You have to know where to stand. Everything in life is location, location, location.".

"Thank God!".

"I was having a day-mare.".

"Yes, we have Nosferatu, we have Nosferatu today.".

"I fly, you don't.".

"I'm British.... so are these.".

"She's Italian.".

"...after being engaged to my daughter for only 5 years, you have the audacity to touch her.".

"...and gynecology.".

"foot....stooool".

"The theory of yes or no.".

"No hickeys.".

DALI - if you don't have it, buy it today! Good for all ages, and all IQ's!