Scream, Blacula, Scream
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Movie Reviews of Scream, Blacula, Scream
Movie Review: Blacula II
Summary: 5 Stars
The sequel to "Blacula" was as good as I expected and then some. If you liked the orginal film I'm sure you'll like this one as well. William Marshall's portrayal of the ultra sophisticated, articulate, cultured "Playa/Pimp/Vampire" was without peer. Pam Grier was a vision of loveliness as were most of the actors in the technicolor blaxplotation gem. A visual delight. A young Lynn Moody was stunning in her role as the tough sixties "Soul-Sistah" with an attitude. Don Mitchell got a chance to show that he could be far more animated than he was on Ironsides and was almost believable in his portrayal of the leading man type. Far more funny than in any way scary so you ladies should enjoy it as well. Get with your man by the fireside and enjoy this jaunt into Black-Horror- Comedy. ****Cult-Classic****Movie Review: EVEN MORE FABULOUS AFRO
Summary: 5 Stars
The follow-up to BLACULA.I find these films to be a lot of fun. Most probably wouldn't want to own them forever, but some of us really appreciate good trash when we see it, you know?
Mike
Movie Review: More Bytes from the Dark Prince of Darkness!
Summary: 4 Stars
In 1973's SCREAM, BLACULA, SCREAM!--an excellent sequel to BLACULA (1972), the first horror entry in AIP's "blaxploitation" line--William Marshall reprises his role as the aristocratic black vampire Mamuwalde (a.k.a. Blacula). Though he was killed by sunlight at the end of the first film, the vampire brother is resurrected when his bones are used as part of an evil voodoo rite. Realizing the preternatural potential of voodoo magic, the revivified Mamuwalde enlists the aid of a beautiful and powerful voodoo priestess (Pam Grier) in hopes of being forever freed from the curse of vampirism.As before, actor Marshall's Shakespearean training and deep, rich, booming voice form the foundation of his outstanding performance as the sympathetic but dynamic titular character. In fact, this talented African-American actor brings dignity and intelligence to any role he plays--even off-beat characters like Blacula--and he has therefore appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including genre flicks like SKULLDUGGERY (1970), ABBY (1974), AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON (1987), and SORCERESS (1995); and genre TV shows such as the original THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E., classic STAR TREK (Dr. Richard Daystrom in the episode "The Ultimate Computer"), and THE WILD WILD WEST.
Also adding to the quality and entertainment value of SCREAM, BLACULA, SCREAM! is the portrayal of the voodoo priestess, Sarah, by the beautiful Pam Grier. Though famous for playing intelligent, strong, no-nonsense black women in other blaxploitation flicks of the 1970s, her character here is admittedly toned down compared to those other roles, but she still delivers a solid performance and is a wonderful compliment to Marshall.
Many of the other supporting actors also turn in some good performances. Don Mitchell appears as Justin, Sarah's boyfriend, and some viewers will quickly recognize him from his longtime role as Mark Sanger on TV's original IRONSIDE. Michael Conrad, later of HILL STREET BLUES fame, does a good job playing the skeptical Sheriff Dunlop, and Richard Lawson delivers some hilarious comic relief as Blacula's vampiric servant.
Any lover of low-budget 1970s horror will enjoy SCREAM, BLACULA, SCREAM. The special FX are endearingly cheesy--dig that animation in those vamp-to-bat and bat-to-vamp transformations--the acting is great, the women are pretty, and the plot offers just the right mix of laughs and chills. Though this one is not helmed by the same director as BLACULA--instead it's Bob Kelljan, who also directed the delightful COUNT YORGA vampire films--the same spirit and quality is maintained throughout, so anybody who enjoyed that first film will definitely want to see this better-than-average sequel.
The DVD edition of SCREAM, BLACULA, SCREAM from MGM--released as part of the company's "Soul Cinema" line, though it and its predecessor, BLACULA, could have just as easily fit in with MGM's "Midnite Movie" series--offers an anamorphic widescreen transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and it appears that the print used for the transfer was in excellent shape. No extras are offered other than the theatrical trailer, but the very reasonable price makes this flick painlessly accessible to any horror-film collector.
Movie Review: "You Will Never Imagine The Pain I Offer: Unendurable, Everlasting Agony!"
Summary: 4 Stars
William Marshall returns as Blacula (and his alter ego Mamuwalde) in this epic piece of 1970's filmmaking. During his diverse career Marshall (who passed away in 2003,) a brilliant classically trained actor with an amazingly rich voice, played everything from Othello to Dr. Richard Daystrom in "The Ultimate Computer," one of the better original "Star Trek" episodes. It's ironic and a bit sad that a man of such talents is best known as a vampire in the Blacula series.
This film deals with the powers of voodoo versus the powers of vampirism. The film opens with a voodoo ceremony and a dispute about the rights of successorship in a modern voodoo cult. Before long Willis, an arrogant but whiny hood, accidentally brings Blacula back to life with a some bones and a bunch of chanting. There are some explanatory flashbacks to the first film ("You shall pay, Black Prince!") and Mamuwalde quickly bites Willis, and lays down his rules, rules that Willis has a hard time dealing with.
Mamuwalde, ever the social creature, attends a party given by Justin, a policeman who is investigating some unusual homicides. Justin has a large collection of African artifacts (including some of Mamuwalde's former possessions,) and after the two talk, Justin becomes suspicious. He already believes voodoo to be involved with the murders, but quickly opens his mind to the possibilities of a vampire component as well. Later, while walking down the street Mamuwalde is apprehended by two thugs trying to rob him. I won't tell you what is said, but the exchange is a real treat (especially with Marshall's booming voice,) and the ensuing fight is short and supremely satisfying. Before it's all over Justin has some more work and more clues to deal with. During this investigation Justin looks at crime scene evidence under a microscope and determines that there is "bat pelage" present at the scene, furthering his vampire hypothesis.
Blacula tells Lisa (Pam Grier,) a voodoo practitioner that he wants her to exorcise the vampire within him. As this long (and frankly slow) ceremony starts Justin and other police officers raid the house and put stakes through the hearts of the other vampires Blacula has created, and eventually burst into the exorcism room. There is a huge brawl during which Blacula kills some police officers, all of which leads to a climax of epic proportions: Blacula is about to bite Justin, which Lisa can't tolerate, so she puts a stake through her Mamuwalde voodoo doll killing Blacula. At least that's what I figured out after re-watching it a couple of times; the actual ending is somewhat ambiguous and confusing. After a bit of writhing, the movie abruptly ends with one of the worst closing credit theme songs ever recorded.
The DVD has subtitles and a trailer, which screams for you to see "Blacula: Dracula's soul brother!" I would have loved a commentary track (especially from Marshall,) but that's only a dream. This film doesn't live up to the original in the areas of script, direction, pacing, or concept, but the acting, especially from Marshall and Grier is great, and it is a piece of 1970's movie history that any horror fan should see.
Movie Review: Prince Mamuwalde Reminds Me of Barnabas Collins of "Dark Shadows"
Summary: 4 Stars
"Scream Blacula Scream" is a great sequel to "Blacula." The action is non-stop and the cast of African American actors is stellar. Pam Grier is excellent as Lisa, the voodoo priestess who attempts to cure Prince Mamuwalde of his vampire curse. Prince Mamuwalde reminds me of Barnabas Collins of the gothic soap opera "Dark Shadows." Barnabas, like the prince, was inflicted by the curse of vampirism and chained in a coffin for almost two-hundred years before being released by a thief. Both are endlessly searching to recreate loss loves and to free themselves of their vampirism. I sympathize with Prince Mamuwalde's plight. "Dark Shadows" ended its six year run on ABC in 1971 and Prince Mamuwalde made his appearance in 1972. Coincidence? I don't think so. There are other similarities between the two characters, too many to mention here.
The action in "Scream Blacula Scream" is nonstop. The body count is high and the deaths are gruesome. My favorite scene: When Prince Mamuwalde is accosted by two pimps who are angry because he rejected their prostitute. They try to rob him and he throws one through a window and the other against a brick wall, killing both but not before draining them of blood. Another favorite scene of mine is when the police enter the mansion where the prince is hiding and they are attacked by the undead. Some of these vampires are extremely ghoulish and creepy.
The funniest scene is when Willis is giving his girlfriend a backrub. It turns painful; she looks up, seeing his fangs, and laughs. "Get that crap out of your mouth," she tells him.
The psychedelic fashions, the enormous afros, the groovy music, and the jive slang are all reminiscent of the seventies and very endearing. What was absent from this sequel that was present in the original is the use of the derogatory "n" word. I was thankful for that. Someone must have complained when the original was released.
The ending was rather anti-climatic It didn't pack the wallop that it should have. If the ending had been more shocking or violent, I would have given the movie five stars.