Vlad (2004)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Most published novels and short stories are pretty good. Sure there are a few stinkers, but on the whole the stories are worth your time.The same certainly can't be said for the boat load of poor movie scripts out there, and Vlad proudly continues that trend. A promising storyline with a terrible script and acting. Many of the actor's lines were laughable, and numerous scenes didn't flow properly.Whether it's independent or big budget, I can't believe a studio would make a film such as Vlad, with a script that could be outdone by many high school English students.

Horrible acting, no plot, and a woman who mysteriously travels in time for no reason whatsoever. Vlad doesn't have the dark, alluring charm that vampires are supposed to have, but instead wears a stressed maniacal gaze akin to that of a man having painful explosive diarrhea. Especially in the sex scenes, where he looks like he's about to spontaneously combust out of frustration of his ineptitude as a frightening vampire shrouded in torture and suffering.But the special effect were great though. Oh wait, there were none other than the part where he climbs a wall (is pulled up the wall in a rope, on fast forward).

I just saw this movie last night, cause it look interesting. An award-winning and critically acclaimed b-movie. It should work as a warning call, i know... Because if it won an award at some horror movie festival... and some critics liked it... there's a good chance it's really really pretentious! And what do you know? It was! Ha HA HAA! Some people say here on IMDb that it is an "intellegent vampire movie". This movie has the same problems most Asian horror movies has. Its too damn "smart" for its own good. And its also supposed to be romantic and sexy, because anyone with half a brain knows that the whole vampire mythology and Dracula is all about sex. But this was more like watching one of those Harlequin movies my mother likes. I'm not banging independent vampire flicks... but i've seen better ones... and worse... Vlad is better then say... way of the vampire. And in i'ts defense i can say that Hollywood hasn't put out a decent vampire movie in... well... i guess the early 70's. And yes i am counting the chick flick "bram stokers Dracula".Oh, and if they ever make a movie about Lenin, Billy Zane should play the lead! Anyway, don't rent or buy this... pick up a copy of "dracula 2001"... it's rubbish too... but you can always amuse yourself by staring at Jeri Ryans tits. Unless you're in to the whole goat boy look, then Vlad is the movie for you!

I'm not usually a fan of horror/gore films, or scary films in general, but I bought this on impulse from Amazon and I'm glad I did. The four students do a good job of portraying their different characters and motivations, and the progression of Justin's character from a somewhat caddish Englishman (as a Brit I was highly amused) into a protective, sensitive and undoubtedly more courageous soul was well done. I'm not sure yet whether Justin and Ilona's meeting in her own time was a clever nod to fate, destiny and re-incarnation (the two of them felt they were always meant to be together) or whether it was an unnecessary 'happy ending' for the two of them.As I own the DVD, I have only seen the open ending where it is implied that Alexa is still possessed/under the influence of Vlad and that was a fitting twist, if not an entirely unpredictable one.I think allowing arguably one of the more well-known actors (Billy Zane) to play a lesser role (and die!) was a wise move, and he linked the story well, although his occasional random bouts of "Da..." (Yes, or agreement) to prove he can be Eastern European were unnecessary.This is a film that combines history with myth and it is an extremely good mix. The flashbacks and history of Vlad's family and his own problems give him a human edge, and Francesco Quinn is amazing in the role. Perfectly judged. The use of subtitles to translate Ilona's middle English speech was also inspired, as technically it's not a 'foreign' language, only an old one.No film could ever be perfect, but this is a very good addition to the Dracula saga. It is easy to see how the legends of vampires spread from stories like this one. It's also more intelligent than the usual blood-fest. In fact, there are only odd moments of violence in it. This is a film that lets characterisation, dialogue and implications tell the story and its all the better for a lack of excess gore every five minutes.Give it a look, I doubt you'll be disappointed.