Review of Near Dark (1987) by Christopher M — 13 May 2010

-It's an admirable cross-genre hybrid of vampire-horror, and the western.

-the Texas setting is perfect; works as a "western," has "outlaw" vampires.

-the first act of the movie is well-done and suspenseful. Overall, the film did not entirely deliver on the strength of the first 15 minutes.

At the heart of the film is a unique, interesting love story between a vampire and an on/off vampire-but I felt it should have taken more risks.

The tone of the movie suffers: as opposed to lulling audiences with zany humor, and then shocking us with its graphic violence, the movie attempts at an odd mix of the two at the same time which makes it feel uneven.

-felt rushed and unfinished: stuck desperately, predictably to its three acts: Caleb becomes vampire, faces initiation hardships, makes way back home---saves his family.

Rushed due to poor editing, uneven pacing: bar scene-constantly shifting tone did not keep suspense, it confused. Shoot-out scene was awkward--did nothing to increase scope of predicament.

-tacky, cheesy uses of slow-mo.

Then "western" showdown at the climax was eerily unsatisfying; particularly when Bill Paxton died---we did not need the huge explosion, implausible and unnecessary.

CGI showcased was primitive and hampered the film; it lost momentum during key scenes at the expense of CGI. For ex. When the vampire kid runs after the sister, and burns up.

Interesting how: the films was about vampires but did not feature any of the myths about stakes, or salt---portrayed vampires as physically resilient, but vulnerable to emotional connection-weakness.