Review of Stake Land (2010) by Sol H — 17 Sep 2011

It seems like when it comes to vampire films, I never get tired of seeing another one come out, as long as it isn't coming from Stephanie Meyer. So, with Stake land, the film looks like an altered verison of Stephen King's The Stand, but with vampires being a greater threat and Christians going around killing anyone that doesn't abide to their religion.

Nick Damici plays the vampire killer that goes by the name of Mister, and he gave a subtle performance being Martin's mentor in the ruined country. Speaking of Martin, he was played by Connor Paolo, and liked how he was written because like Mister, he's fearless and he doesn't do anything risky that would kill everyone. There's two actressses I didn't know who were in the film that played vital roles like Dannielle Harris (Halloween movies) and Kelly McGillis (Top Gun).

How Stake land was made, I liked the father-son relationship it showed with Mister and Martin during the parts when he's teaching him how to fight a vampire. As for the vampires they look like the creepiest, most disgusting vampires I have seen, and I like that. And I do mean creepier than the ones from 30 Days of Night. I was baffled to hear some soft piano-playing music from a horror movie like this and it made the film feel very sentimental, as opposed to how violent it was. But the main characters encounter the degenerate religious cult more than the vampires, making it feel like an "Us against the world" situation.

Overall, this may not as indulging for you or as all out in action as you may think, but sure had enjoyed the hell out of it. Stake land had plenty of neat sceneries, some gore effects that looks nice and a decent story. And hopefully if Twilight hasn't destroeyed the way you look at vampires, than check this film out.