Studio: New Line Productions, Inc.
Director: Stephen Norrington
Screenwriter: David S. Goyer
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wright, Donal Logue
Genre: Horror/Fantasy
MPAA Rating: R for strong language and some drug content

The Story: Wesley Snipes stars as Blade, a half-human, half-vampire comic book hero. Blade's mother was bitten while she was pregnant; Blade was born with a vampire's strengths, such as regeneration and stamina, along with the blood thirst. He is, however, immune to garlic, silver, and sunlight, which are the only weapons against vampires in this version of the myth. Blade is hunting Deacon Frost (Dorff), a turned vampire (as opposed to a born vampire) who is wreaking havoc not only on humans but on the vampire community itself. Or is Frost hunting Blade? By the end of the movie, we discover that these two are seeking each other. Frost has a plan, and Blade is the key.

UMSFC Review: As a whole, this is an enjoyable movie for vampire fans. The myth is solid and the vampire culture is cleanly drawn, including the class consciousness regarding born and turned vampires. Snipes and Kristofferson have an easy filial relationship; the deep affection between Blade and Whistler is clear even though it's subtly played. The special effects were amazing at the time, but may seem a little cheesy now.

Blade was Matt's first feature film. He's in two scenes and has one line. Not a major thing, right? Try an experiment. Ask someone who's seen Blade (but who doesn't know Matt's in it) if they remember the vampire who got his hand chopped off when he stole Blade's sword. Chances are they'll say yes -everyone I've asked does. With two scenes (and one of which he's only in the background), and one line ("Check it out I've got his pig sticker!"), Matt created a memorable character. Now that's an impressive debut.