The Hidden Gems of John Carpenter's Vampire Flick That Deserve More Recognition
John Carpenter's Vampires: A misunderstood gem ahead of its time, this rip-roaring vampire movie deserves more respect than its reputation suggests No sequels were made
Article Key Points
John Carpenter's Vampires is an underrated movie that deserves more recognition in Carpenter's filmography. It has gained a cult following over the years.
The movie was ahead of its time in portraying vampires, predating the surge in popularity of the vampire sub-genre. Regardless of receiving mixed reviews from critics, the movie has garnered a strong following among fans who appreciate its enjoyable and light-hearted approach, resulting in the release of two sequels.
Renowned as one of the greatest minds in the horror genre, John Carpenter has left an indelible mark on the industry. From the iconic Halloween to the chilling masterpieces of Christine and The Thing, his filmography boasts some of the most exceptional horror movies ever created. Not limited to directing alone, Carpenter has also penned numerous scripts and composed unforgettable scores for many of his cinematic works. Despite the underappreciated reception of his 1998 directorial piece, John Carpenter's Vampires, it has since garnered a dedicated cult following, solidifying its place in the annals of horror history. Starring James Woods, Daniel Baldwin, and Sheryl Lee, this film was distributed by Colombia Pictures.
Although Carpenter's directorial output waned after Vampires, he remained actively engaged in various creative pursuits. It was not until his recent venture into the world of directing with an episode for his true crime horror series, John Carpenter's Suburban Screams, that he once again took on the role of director. The series marked a long-awaited return after a hiatus since his 2010 film, The Ward. Alongside his directing endeavours, Carpenter has continued to compose music, most notably for the reboot of his own Halloween franchise by David Gordon Green in 2018.
What is John Carpenter's Vampires about?
John Carpenter's Vampires is his most underrated film, deserving of your attention. It was ahead of its time in its portrayal of vampires. While vampire movies have become popular in recent years, in 1998 the genre was still gaining momentum, with Buffy the Vampire Slayer having been released only the previous year. Since then, vampire films have exploded in popularity and can be found everywhere.
Director | John Carpenter |
|---|---|
Writer | Don Jakoby, based on Vampires by John Steakley |
Cast | James Woods, Daniel Baldwin, Sheryl Lee, Thomas Ian Griffith |
Release Date | October 30, 1998 |
Runtime | 108 Minutes |
Rotten Tomatoes Score | 42% based on 52 reviews |
Box Office | $20.3 Million (domestic) |
Jack Crow is a man driven by a singular purpose - avenging his parents' murder at the hands of vampires. Supported by a team of vampire hunters and the Catholic Church, he embarks on a relentless search in the New Mexico desert to eradicate these bloodthirsty creatures.
In their quest, Jack Crow leads his team to an abandoned house in New Mexico, tactically infiltrating a vampire den. Armed with guns, wooden stakes, and a crossbow equipped with a sunlight attachment, they gain control over the vampires, eliminating the majority of them. However, their mission falls short as they are unable to locate the main vampire orchestrating their actions.
The group stumbles upon a roadside motel, where they revel in their victory over the vampires by indulging in alcohol and engaging with sex workers. Their festivities are abruptly halted by the unexpected appearance of Jan Valek, a vampire endowed with extraordinary powers. Jack finally meets his match when Valek bites one of the sex workers, transforming her into a vampire. Valek proceeds to mercilessly slaughter the hunters, leaving Crow and his loyal companion, Tony Montoya, as the lone surviving vampires. Their mission is now to hunt down this malevolent vampire before he can unleash further chaos in the desert.
What did critics say about John Carpenter's Vampires?
John Carpenter's Vampires received mixed reviews from critics, with some being unkind towards the film. However, it had a peculiar presence on both best and worst of the year lists compiled by critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a 43% rating based on 53 reviews, with critics concluding that it offers "Nothing but one showdown after another." Contrarily, the audience score stands at 47%, based on over 50,000 ratings.
Many critics were critical of the lack of a coherent plot and relatable characters in the movie. However, it is possible that Carpenter was visionary in his approach, as likability is not a prerequisite for characters in contemporary cinema. Nevertheless, during the 90s, the critics remained skeptical of this unconventional film.
Did they make any sequels to John Carpenter's Vampires?
The movie has been enjoyed by numerous fans for its light-hearted approach, not taking itself too seriously. Despite the unfavorable reception and performance of John Carpenter's Vampires, there was sufficient support to justify the creation of a sequel. Although the sequel exists, it did not receive a theatrical release.
Vampires: Los Muertos serves as the follow-up to John Carpenter's original film, but instead of a theatrical release, it was exclusively released on video in 2002. In the pre-streaming era, movies often had prompt video releases. While Carpenter produced the movie, directorial responsibilities were handed over to Tommy Lee Wallace. The narrative introduces fresh characters while acknowledging the previous film's casualties. Interestingly, Jon Bon Jovi took a hiatus from his thriving music career to portray Derek Bliss, another hunter pursuing a group of vampires.
Expanding the franchise, Vampires continued with the release of Vampires: The Turning in 2005. However, this direct-to-video installment had no involvement from Carpenter and lacks any real connection to the preceding two films, aside from sharing the Vampires title. The inclusion of martial arts in the plot may appear intriguing, but unfortunately, the film fails to impress.
Vampires, although often overlooked, rightfully holds a significant spot in John Carpenter's diverse filmography, alongside his renowned classics such as Halloween and The Thing.
Editor's P/S
John Carpenter's Vampires is a highly underrated film that deserves more recognition. It is a thrilling vampire movie that is full of action, suspense, and horror. The film was ahead of its time in its portrayal of vampires, and it still holds up well today.
The cast is excellent, with James Woods giving a standout performance as Jack Crow. The film's visuals are stunning, and the action sequences are top-notch. The story is engaging, and the film keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Overall, John Carpenter's Vampires is a great film that deserves more attention. If you are a fan of vampire movies, or if you are just looking for a good action movie, then I highly recommend checking it out.
