Every cinematic generation has a nice representation of Vampire films. Nosferatu, made in 1922, is considered the landmark that paved the way for classics like Dracula, with Bela Lugosi. Christopher Lee had his run with Dracula and its many sequels. Thereafter, the list is numerous. Some of the more memorable ones include Salem’s Lot, The Lost Boys, Fright Night, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Interview With a Vampire, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the Blade trilogy, and my personal favorites, From Dusk Till Dawn and Let the Right One In.
The latest craze involves two that are based on novels that swirl the supernatural in a soapy operatic tub of love, lust, and survival. Twilight is the first of many adaptations of the teen vampire romance novels authored by Stephanie Meyer. The hype surrounding Twilight is close to Harry Potter like status. But personally, I don’t see it. Now although I watched it with a dude (save your snickering), I am an objective movie-goer but I categorized it as Dracula meets Dawson’s Creek. Keep in mind, I’m an 80′s kid, so I grew up objectifying teen angst but this was just ok, bordering on silly. Moving on, as I brace myself for high-pitched obscene phone calls and glitter red hate mail, I am happy to report that my faith in the retelling of vampire folklore adapting to the world today has been restored by the HBO presentation, True Blood.
True Blood, a drama series about to wrap up its second season, is based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries novels by Charlaine Harris. Without giving away any spoilers, it is about vampires and humans trying to co-exist as a truce has been called to try to end the violence. The story is set in Louisiana and while it is played out in sometimes overdramatic fashion, the storyline is filled with such intrigue and plot-twists that it maintains a high level of interest. It is also very quirky. There is much humor watching the vampires and humans adapt to each other while still falling victim to the typical prejudices and stereotypes.
Anna Paquin is the most recognizable face as the central character, Sookie, while the rest of the cast are relative unknowns but are sure to make a name for themselves when it’s all said and done. Other than the story, eye candy is what’s sure to keep viewers coming back for more. There are beautiful people gracing this set, mostly of the male variety, snarling their fangs, puffing their chests and engaging in sex. Lots and lots and lots of sex. So put the kids to bed and check their eyelids before popping this bad boy in. (Horrible pun not intended.) The one actor that stands out for me is Alexander Skarsgard who plays Vampire Sheriff, Eric Northman. He looks like Jim Carrey on steroids, but he plays his vampire with menacing force while able to spurt such subtle humor.
When I rented the first season, I admit I almost lost interest. It wasn’t until midway that I got hooked. In hindsight, I think it was just different. I needed to get used to the characters and their background. Entering this season, it certainly has kicked it up a notch. I normally don’t subscribe to HBO and I was originally going to wait till it came out on DVD. But I read so much hype that I caved and ordered it. I am so glad I did. Sundays. HBO. This is my Must-See TV for the summertime.
$ VALUE: $$$$$
$$$$$ – “You’re so money, you don’t even know it.”
$$$$ – “Worth every penny.”
$$$ – “Fair price.”
$$ – “I’m not made of money.”
$ – “A fool and his money are soon parted.”
