Buffy the Vampire Slayer
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Movie Reviews of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Movie Review: Whatdya expect, Academy Awards?
Summary: 5 Stars
I first watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer when it first came out, and I was only seven years old. Back then I enjoyed it for it's neat clothes, bright colors, spunk, and fun. I bought it later on when I was around 10, and made my family and friends watch it every day! I eventually grew out of that phase, put it away, and let it collect dust for many years after. I am now 20, and just the other day decided I wanted to watch it again. I have a new found appreciation for this classic 90's, B-movie, vampire flick. It is a lot more witty than anybody is willing to give it credit for. It depicts everything in it's own stereotypical light... Valley Girls: dim-witted airheads, who shop all day, and think bugs and the ozone layer are plaguing the environment... Vampires: night-walking, cape-wearing, pale-faced, hissing, heathens..who fly (a lot of people are against the flying in the movie because it's not in the show, but in all reality, every other movie vampire has the superspeed/levitation/flying ability that is lacking in the show)... the cheerleader/jock relationship...the shallow, uncaring mother (the opposite of Joyce from the show)...the bright-colored spandex/jackets/dresses/jewelry of the early 90's. It's all there! My favorite thing about it has to be the dialogue. There are SO many quotable moments in the movie and silly phrases that are terribly hard to forget (like anyone would want to anyway...(see the quotes link back on the 'Buffy' main page)). It's irreverant, silly, goofy, pointless, and just an all-around good time.
I really think that I should make it perfectly clear, though, that the movie is NOTHING like the show. There are very minor references in the show to the movie, but that's mainly to Joss Whedon's ORIGINAL script, and not to the final cut. The only thing they truly share is the title/title character. I've read more than my share of complaints about the movie and how it lacks the depth of the show. This is very true, but it's not supposed to be deep; it's supposed to be campy. The cast is fun, and there are appeareances of many well-known 'celebrities' (Hilary Swank, Stephen Root, Ricki Lake, Ben Affleck, David Arquette, etc.). Being a super fan of both the movie and the show (the movie first, of course) I prefer to not compare the two at all. It's the proverbial apples and oranges dilemma...two totally different things that have no business being compared to one another. Fans of the show looking to find major prequel elements are sure to be disappointed, but fans of B-movies, cult classics, and good old-fashioned fun, are sure to be pleased by this over-the-top, hilarious movie.
Movie Review: Light & Fun
Summary: 5 Stars
This was simply an excellently done movie, for it's genre. We're not talking Citizen Kane or The Bridge on the River Kwai, of course- but it's not trying to be that. It's just fun, and incredibly witty. One of the best comedies I've ever seen, revealing the drive for materialism verses things that really matter. Later on there was a TV series by the same name, that took the kernel of the idea and twisted it, taking something humorous and making it dark, new-agey, and frankly weird. This original movie has little in it to offend, unless, of course, you're a vampire. The movie *is* very anti-vampirite.
Buffy cares only for herself, learning the values of the American Me Generation. Until she learns that she has been chosen for something far greater, and that there are things of far more import in this world than wearing what is retro, and avoiding what is five minutes ago. While hopefully the viewer finds humor throughout the movie, they also can be challenged to reevaluate who they are, and what they consider life to be. The unexamined life is not worth living- but neither is the unlived life. Does not the best of humor point to something beyond? Does it not call us to be something more than we are? This movie does that.
The writing is excellent, the acting good- especially by Donald Sutherland and Peewee Herman. If you rent it, you'll enjoy it. I'd stake my life on it.
Movie Review: The Original Buffy
Summary: 5 Stars
Way before Sarah Michelle Gellar came onto the scene, we had this 1992 guilty pleasure starring Kristy Swanson (The Chase) and Luke Perry (Beverly Hills 90210 fame). Also starring Hilary Swank (future Oscar winner for Million Dollar Baby), David Arquette (star of Scream movies & future husband of Courteney Cox), Paul Reubens (formerly known as Pee Wee Herman), Natasha Gregson Wagner (Urban Legend & Natalie Wood's daughter), Rutger Hauer (Sin City), Donald Sutherland (Commander In Chief TV series), and Stephen Root (Milton from Office Space).
If you've watched the series you know the plot: a beautiful blond kills vampires in her spare time. But to make it interesting, they threw in some good music: Ozzy Osbourne, Toad The Wet Sprocket, The Cult, Mary's Danish, etc. Also Kristy Swanson was trained to blend martial arts, gymnastics, and cheerleading to give a new meaning to slaying. Yes this movie is dated, but I have to say that I enjoy its energy, romance, and comedy. This will always be my favorite. Sorry Sarah!
Movie Review: Campy Horror At Its Best
Summary: 5 Stars
As many know, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is now a cult hit tv show. This is what started it all. Joss Whedon wrote the script for the movie, but always envisioned it as a tv series. And although his script was tinkered with, for the movie, I think the movie turned out good. Of course, it's campy and cheesy. But that's what makes it good. Kristy Swanson stars as Buffy, she who must rid the world of the forces of darkness. She is guided by Merrick, her watcher, played by Donald Sutherland and a friend, Pike, played by Luke Perry. There are also appearances by the then up & coming David Arquette and Hilary Swank. When Buffy finds out her destiny as the Slayer, she must help Merrick slay a very powerful vampire, played by Rutger Hauer. Of course, chaos ensues, but Buffy saves the day in a final showdown worthy of all the one-liners shot out by Rutger and Kristy. Although the hit show created by Joss is superbly better, the movie still holds it own and will go down as a cult classic.Movie Review: Comedy Only
Summary: 5 Stars
Personally, I love it... for those people who expect a vampire storyline with depth, watch the tv show. For everyone else who is just looking to laugh this movie is perfect. I have watched this so many times I can recite the script in my sleep. Whenever I need to laugh this is great. Kristy Swanson does an excellent job portraying the valley girl, and Paul Ruebens is much more entertaining as a half witted vampire than he ever was as Pee-Wee. If you don't try to take this movie seriously, I think you can really learn to appreciate it. To be honest I have completely avoided the tv version, because I am not a fan of Gellar, and Kristy in my eyes will always be the original Buffy.She created the character, and I don't think anyone can do better.