Release: Blade

 

Blade

Genre: Action/Superhero/Horror

Director: Spike Lee

Writer: Dawson Edwards

Based on Marvel Comics characters

Cast: Damson Idris, Karen Fukuhara, Pierce Brosnan, Gina Torres, Taraji P. Henson, Regina King

Budget: $80,000,000

Domestic Box Office: $110,421,918

Foreign Box Office: $139,834,064

Total Profit: $59,100,067

Reaction: Solid numbers, but not exactly the blockbuster figures one tends to expect from the Marvel Universe brand. Given the R-rating though, these are very good numbers on par with other R-rated Marvel Universe films like The Punisher and Elektra.

"​Spike Lee's 'Blade' delivers a stylish, gritty, and socially conscious reimagining of the Marvel hero, with Damson Idris powerfully portraying the titular Daywalker. While the film excels in its visceral action, atmospheric visuals, and exploration of systemic corruption through characters like Gina Torres' Dr. Tilda Johnson and Pierce Brosnan's chilling Deacon Frost, its pacing occasionally falters and some supporting characters, like Karen Fukuhara's Makoto, remain underdeveloped. Despite these narrative inconsistencies, "Blade" stands as a bold and compelling entry in the superhero genre, leaving a significant impact with its dark themes and socio-political undertones." - Ted Milo, Montasefilm.com

“While pacing issues, uneven supporting arcs, and occasional over-explanation keep Blade from fully hitting its stride, the film’s atmosphere, ambition, and flashes of sharp character work give it a distinct identity. Damson Idris brings a magnetic, quietly dangerous presence to the role that it needs. The action peaks—especially in the final act—are gripping enough to leave a lasting impression, even if the road there is more compelling in concept than in execution.”

Freddie Poulter, TheWrap.com 

"Damson Idris gives Blade everything he’s got. Unfortunately, he’s trapped in a film that rarely rises to meet him. Spike Lee's execution is uneven at best. The action lacks scale and the editing is often choppy. For all its attitude, the film doesn’t bring much new to the Blade mythos. We've seen this urban vampire underworld before, and the script rarely pushes beyond familiar beats. Instead it stretches all those expected beats to shocking lengths - resulting in a near 3-hour film with very little story or action involved." - Dave Manning, Ridgefield Press

Rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, and language throughout.