The years before the genesis of the Marvel Cinematic Universe were not without comic book movies, especially Marvel films. The 80s saw the release of Howard The Duck, The Trial of The Incredible Hulk and a Punisher flick and the 90s had a Captain America film, even though there were some Marvel-related film projects in the 70s such Nicholas Hammond's Spider-Man movie despite the fact it was a pilot to a TV series. But, at the tail end of the 90s, after the failure of Warner's Batman & Robin, New Line Cinema released... Blade.
Vampires, alongside superheroes, have been pop culture staples for years and, in the early 70s, Marvel created the daywalking vampire hunter known as Blade. Blade aka Eric Brooks became a staple of Marvel mythology and, many years later, a movie would be produced with the title role going to Weasley Snipes. On release, Blade was a massive hit, revitalizing the comic book movie genre, paving the way for X-Men and Sam Rami's Spider Man trilogy and... eventually the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Blade is an R-rated action horror superhero flick, telling the story of Eric "Blade" Brooks and his crusade against the blood-sucking vampires who terrorize the innocent, leading to him coming into conflict with the man who bit his mother, leading to Eric becoming half-vampire. Fun fact, the people who worked on The Matrix actually worked on this movie, and I am not talking about the Wachowski Brothers. This film is full of story, visceral and engaging 90s action, wild CGI special effects, and remarkable acting from start-to-finish and some energetic music that kicks in during the movie's biggest moments such as the final battle. And the icing on top, every line delivered is powerful including the biggest quote of the ages: "Some motherf***ers are always trying to skate uphill." And delivered by Mr. Snipes himself.
I had the privilege of seeing this movie with my father on Disney Plus around Halloween season in 2025 and, as a vampire movie, it fits Halloween pretty well and I suggest to any brave movie-viewers to watch it during Halloween if you like. The score for Blade is a 9 and I will see the sequel when dad and I find the time. And if you didn't know, Weasley Snipes' Blade returned in the Marvel Cinematic Universe through Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024, nearly two decades after the final entry in the Blade trilogy known as Blade Trinity. See you later, fellas.
-James M
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