30 Days of Night

The new horror vampire film "30 Days Of Night," is taken from the renound graphic novel. Directed by David Slade it takes place in a northern town of Alaska that for a time span of 30 days there is no sunlight, hence the title. First let me say this is not the Anne Rice type of vampire. They're not gorgeous in renaissance clothing seducing their victims. This film is basically "Jaws," on land or actually in snow. These are beings that are out for only one thing, to feast on the living. There are far more along the lines of the classic "Nosferatu," than "Interview With The Vampire," or even "From Dusk Till Dawn."

The film starts out with what appears to be a tanker ship in the icy waters of Alaska as one brave soul reaches land and finds the sleepy town. He seems harmless enough until strange things start to happen in the town. Random vandalism, the killing of all the sled dogs, etc. Josh Hartnett plays the main character of the film, Sheriff Eben Oleson. By this time half the town is leaving for the 30 days of night for Anchorage, including his estranged wife Stella Oleson, played by Melissa George. Low and behold, she doesn't make the plane, shocker there and ends up back in the town for the month. The odd stranger encounters Hartnett in the local diner when a skirmish happens between him and the waitress. The stranger gets locked up in the jail cell and the storytelling and warnings begin. One spoiler coming here: every vampire needs and apprentice to do their bidding. Ben Foster plays him to a T. He's creepy, he's got bad teeth and an even worse disposition. To add to the tension in the jail house, Hartnett's younger brother, Jake, their grandmother and Stella are all hold up there with the stranger in the cage. Of course no one heeds the warnings until some of the locals start disappearing in a rather bloody fashion. Harnett finds one of the first victims head, minus the body. The game is on.

I've never understood how one can make a vampire film or television show with little or no blood. "30 Days Of Night," has no such problem. The red stuff is flowing like beer on a five cent pitcher night at your local bar. There is a great deal of gore and close-ups but it's not as extreme as the "Hostel," series or "Saw." I mean, let us remember, vamps live on the blood of the living. So there's bound to be a mess or two, or three, or 25. I didn't actually keep track of the body count but I can tell you there are only a handful of folks left. It is rated R for a reason. Danny Huston is Marlow," the head vampire. Speaking through the movie in their native vamp tongue, thanks for the subtitles; the guy is creepy, he's got a bunch of fangs, not just the 'usual' canine deuce. His followers are just as evil and bloodthirsty and can equally get the job at hand done in a rather efficient fashion. I'm not going to spoil this by giving you the ending. If you're familiar with the comic you'll be pleasantly surprised. If not, you may actually be shocked. Harnett is a bit stiff in this role but it's passable. The vampires really do keep your attention throughout the film. And yes, you will jump in your seat from time to time. That's a phenomenon that hasn't happened in a horror film for some time. That statement is meant especially for the vampire genre.

If you're into the original vampire lore minus "Dracula," "The Lost Boys," and the usual Hollywood fair; if you're into the real monsters that vampires were meant to be; then "30 Days Of Night," will not disappoint. I will say this; don't go in expecting the usual happy ending that most horror movies have. Sure, some of the bad guys get their due but that's where this stops. Whether there will be a sequel is anyone's guess. I wouldn't be surprised. It a great date movie, if you're into that sort of thing and your significant other is afraid of the dark. I had a great time. Says quite a bit about me, doesn't it?