There's a lot to like about this third installment in the Blade movie franchise. Ryan Reynolds steals the show as the butt-kicking comic relief, and the filmmakers wisely ensure that viewers need not have seen the first two flicks in order to enjoy this one. But for all of this movie's strengths, there are even more weaknesses, most of which stem from huge plot holes and groan-inducing dialogue.
In order to keep him from hunting them down, vampires have brought Blade's (Wesley Snipes) nocturnal activities to the attention of the authorities, making him Public Enemy No. 1. The bloodsuckers have also recruited a new, powerful ally: the world's first vampire, awakened after centuries of hibernation. Fortunately, Blade soon discovers he's got some new allies as well: Hannibal King (Ryan Reynolds), a former vampire who's regained his humanity; and Abby Whistler (Jessica Biel), Blade's mentor's daughter, who's a force to be reckoned with when she's wielding her bow and gadget arrows.
Biel gives off the same sort of burning intensity that Snipes has in all three films, but basically, she's here as little more than eye candy. The movie even manages to provide her with a wholly unnecessary shower scene. Reynolds is what sets this movie apart from the previous two. He brings a refreshing sense of humour to the mix. He's not a complete stooge or anything; he has plenty of exciting, vampire-fighting action as well.
Snipes is hindered by some terrible dialogue, reminiscent of the sort of one-liners one expects to hear in an Arnold Schwarzenegger flick. It works for Arnie because of his voice and terrible delivery. Snipes has no fun with the puns and tough-guy talk. I had no idea Parker Posey was playing the role of the vampire leader Danica until the final credits rolled. She's completely unrecognizable here, and the much-lauded actress is completely wasted in this stereotypically goth role.
Pro wrestler Triple H provides some comic relief in the movie as well, but the real reason for his inclusion becomes apparent in the climactic battle at the end, when he and Reynolds engage in a typical, WWE-like wrestling match. The fight is played straight instead of for laughs, and it's obvious and irksome as a result.
Early on in the movie, the plot comes off as quite novel and clever. Having the vampires employ public relations as a weapon against the man hunting them down is smart and contemporary. By the second act, gaping plot holes completely compromise the story. An emphasis on cool visuals and character traits sees any sense of logic tossed out of the window. For example, Biel's character is shown downloading MP3s to her iPod, because she likes to listen to hardcore music on headphones while hunting vampires. It's a cool, hip notion, until one wonders how she can hear vampires approaching her from behind and from dark corners with Metallica blasting in her ears.
Perhaps the most encouraging thing about this movie for comic-book fans, other than a glimpse of an issue of Marvel's Tomb of Dracula from the 1970s, is a screen credit for Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan, who created the title character in that comic series three decades ago.
Quite often, Blade: Trinity is actually a lot of fun, but an overemphasis on style ultimately gets in the way of what the actors and director David Goyer are doing right. 5/10
