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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated BloodRayne (2006) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
Turning a video game into a feature film is often a daunting task. With a large built in audience, gamers tend to be very picky over film adaptations and agitate very easily over even the slightest deviation from the source material.
Often in games, storylines are kept to the basic elements in order to keep the action flowing, unhindered by dialogue, character development, and plot twists as the notion is that gamers want action and will become bored if they have to wait through the elements listed above.
It is ironic that in films bases on games, the paring down of plot and characters in favor of a more linear setup and action often draws the wrath of critics and gamers for doing what game makers have been doing for years, letting gamers get to the goods.
In the new film Bloodrayne based on the hit game series of the same name by Majesco, Director Uwe Boll has crafted a film that explores the how and whys of the game series, focusing on the origins of the title character Rayne (Kristanna Loken), who toils as the half-human, half-vampire Dhampir in remote 18th century Romania as a freak in a traveling circus. Here ability to be burned by water yet healed by the blood of animals is a big drawing card to the circus, who has no problem exploiting her only to lock her in an animal cage when the show is over.
Unknown to Rayne, her fate is about to become entwined with a man named Vladamir (Michael Madsen), a vampire hunter and member of a secret society dedicated to eliminating the threat they pose. It is learned that the land is under the control of a powerful vampire named Kagan (Ben Kinglsey), who is seeking to locate and reunite three vampire relics in an effort to gain absolute power.
In time Rayne is brought into the order that sees her as a tool for fighting back the ever increasing army of Kagan. This movie is not met well by certain members of the group, especially Katarin (Michelle Rodriquez), who is not certain that bringing a person who is part vampire into their midst is a good idea.
Despite rising tensions and a steamy attraction to a hunter named Sebastian (Matt Davis), Rayne soon finds herself part of the group and firmly matched up against Kagan and his minions with the fate of the world in the balance.
While the film has some issues such as a thin plot and at times stiff acting and basic dialogue it is a marked improvement for Boll who has received harsh criticisms of his past works. Bloodrayne blends exotic visuals with classic gothic touches in a manner that compliments the material and is never heavy handed. The action scenes while gory are engaging and abundant, especially the inclusion of so called Boss battles that are common in video games.
While Bloodrayne has its blemishes, the film has its moments and is not nearly as bad as several mean spirited campaigns against it and Boll have suggested.
I have seen far worse films in the last 6 months such as The Cave, Into the Blue and Bewitched to name a few. As vampire films go, Bloodrayne is better than most of the horror offerings we have been inundated with in recent years less we forget “Wrong Turn” and “House of Wax”
Often in games, storylines are kept to the basic elements in order to keep the action flowing, unhindered by dialogue, character development, and plot twists as the notion is that gamers want action and will become bored if they have to wait through the elements listed above.
It is ironic that in films bases on games, the paring down of plot and characters in favor of a more linear setup and action often draws the wrath of critics and gamers for doing what game makers have been doing for years, letting gamers get to the goods.
In the new film Bloodrayne based on the hit game series of the same name by Majesco, Director Uwe Boll has crafted a film that explores the how and whys of the game series, focusing on the origins of the title character Rayne (Kristanna Loken), who toils as the half-human, half-vampire Dhampir in remote 18th century Romania as a freak in a traveling circus. Here ability to be burned by water yet healed by the blood of animals is a big drawing card to the circus, who has no problem exploiting her only to lock her in an animal cage when the show is over.
Unknown to Rayne, her fate is about to become entwined with a man named Vladamir (Michael Madsen), a vampire hunter and member of a secret society dedicated to eliminating the threat they pose. It is learned that the land is under the control of a powerful vampire named Kagan (Ben Kinglsey), who is seeking to locate and reunite three vampire relics in an effort to gain absolute power.
In time Rayne is brought into the order that sees her as a tool for fighting back the ever increasing army of Kagan. This movie is not met well by certain members of the group, especially Katarin (Michelle Rodriquez), who is not certain that bringing a person who is part vampire into their midst is a good idea.
Despite rising tensions and a steamy attraction to a hunter named Sebastian (Matt Davis), Rayne soon finds herself part of the group and firmly matched up against Kagan and his minions with the fate of the world in the balance.
While the film has some issues such as a thin plot and at times stiff acting and basic dialogue it is a marked improvement for Boll who has received harsh criticisms of his past works. Bloodrayne blends exotic visuals with classic gothic touches in a manner that compliments the material and is never heavy handed. The action scenes while gory are engaging and abundant, especially the inclusion of so called Boss battles that are common in video games.
While Bloodrayne has its blemishes, the film has its moments and is not nearly as bad as several mean spirited campaigns against it and Boll have suggested.
I have seen far worse films in the last 6 months such as The Cave, Into the Blue and Bewitched to name a few. As vampire films go, Bloodrayne is better than most of the horror offerings we have been inundated with in recent years less we forget “Wrong Turn” and “House of Wax”
Dark Prophecy: A Box Set
8.0
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Book
The Dark Prophecy series – a box set Sacred Talisman After roaming the earth for five...
Adult Paranormal Romance Ménage
Meg (3 KP) rated Warm Bodies in Books
Jul 4, 2017
Warm bodies, warm hearts
Described to me as the Zombie twilight, I would actually say twilight is the vampire version of Warm bodies. I adore anything post apocalyptic and whilst this is a bit more romantic than I normally like this book hit the spot wonderfully!
Full of twists and turns, heart rendering moments. Urgh, I just can't express how much I loved this book.
Would 10/10 recommend for anyone who needs a good book to curl up with.
Full of twists and turns, heart rendering moments. Urgh, I just can't express how much I loved this book.
Would 10/10 recommend for anyone who needs a good book to curl up with.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Vampire Bites in Books
Jan 18, 2018
It's been awhile since I read vampire stories, but his boxset was a great way to reintroduce myself back into them. What I love about (quality) box sets is that if one story isnt for you, you can move on to one that is. I have read some pretty garbage boxsets, but in this one, even if I dont like the story, I cannot find fault in the writing. These authors are talented and know how to write.
Dana (24 KP) rated Reborn (Shadow Falls: After Dark, #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I absolutely loved getting to hear Della's story. She was one of my favorite characters in the original series, so it was fun getting to see what she goes theough. I really liked this story. Not only was the storyline pretty fresh, I was also very happy with the introduction of the newer characters. Vampire back stories are always pretty fun as well. If you have read the Shadow Falls series, I definitely recommend picking this one up as well.
David McK (3721 KP) rated Vlad: The Last Confession in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Subtitled (on the inner cover) "The Last Confession", this is a fictional re-telling of the story of the 'real' Dracula: not the vampire of Bram Stoker's legend, but of the 15th century Wallachian Prince who lived c. 1390 to Dec 1447. (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlad_II_Dracul)
It's also not a novel for the squemish: this book doesn't shy away form the reason Dracula would become known as Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), with some rather explicit passages concerning the same.
It's also not a novel for the squemish: this book doesn't shy away form the reason Dracula would become known as Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), with some rather explicit passages concerning the same.
Peter G. (247 KP) rated A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014) in Movies
Jul 18, 2019
Monochromatic vampire love story similar at times to Let the right one in, however this is a little more quirky and has some beautiful cinematography.
The cast isn't a long line of the well known and its filmed in Iran in limited locations, but this doesn't detract from its compelling story and amazing turns from the two main cast members.
Vampires need love too I guess and I would highly recommend this story be seen, its touching and surprisingly well told, highly recommended!
The cast isn't a long line of the well known and its filmed in Iran in limited locations, but this doesn't detract from its compelling story and amazing turns from the two main cast members.
Vampires need love too I guess and I would highly recommend this story be seen, its touching and surprisingly well told, highly recommended!
Necroculture: 2016
Book
In this book, the author draws on Karl Marx's writings on alienation and Erich Fromm's conception of...
Dungeons & Dragons: The Legend of Drizzt - Neverwinter Tales
(unknown)
4.0
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The MOST POPULAR CHARACTER from the MOST POPULAR FANTASY WORLD of all time comes to life in his...
Preacher: Book 4
8.0
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* Writer Garth Ennis's violent, scabrous journey across America's religious landscape continues in...