lost boys 2

Today sees the release of the eagerly-anticipated 30 Days of Night, the latest in a long history of vampire films. The movie, based on the amazing graphic novel of the same name, has the kind of "so obvious you can't believe nobody thought of it before" premise (vampires descend upon an Alaskan town where the sun doesn't come out for an entire month) that should hopefully translate to a kick-ass time.

Still, whether the movie is a success or not, one thing is for sure � it sure ain't gonna effect the overall legacy of the cinematic bloodsucker, one of film's most enduring villains. Over the years, the vampire has become arguably the horror film's most consistent baddie. And so, they didn't really need to rely on me shining a spotlight on them, either. Even so, to pay tribute to 30 Days of Night, and to keep the Top 5's Halloween theme going, today we're taking a look at:

THE TOP 5 VAMPIRE MOVIES



Trevor Snyder

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Blade II - I wrestled for a long time over whether to give this spot to this film or to George Romero's excellent Martin. In the end, I went with Blade II only because Martin is not technically a vampire. Anyway, some of my colleagues have singled out the first Blade film, but for my money, Guillermo Del Toro's visionary sequel was that rare follow-up that eclipsed the original. In a nifty twist, this flick showed that even vampires have something to be scared of � in the form of a new kind of super-vampire who preys on humans and bloodsuckers alike. Blade II is an awesome triple threat; one of the best vampire movies, comic book movies, and sequels ever. Shame about that third film…

The Fearless Vampire Killers - Roman Polanski's vampire comedy is often forgotten about today, but I really can't understand why (unless, perhaps, viewers find it uncomfortable to watch old Polanski movies starring Sharon Tate). It looks great, and the humor holds up. Plus, it has one of the greatest alternate titles in horror film history: Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck.

Bram Stoker's Dracula - A very popular, and yet somehow still underrated film. I think most people like to rag on it because of the "love story" aspect, which is played up here much more so than in Stoker's original novel. But, you know what? It works. As does Gary Oldman's killer performance as the Count, and Anthony Hopkins as a somewhat mad Van Helsing who is almost as frightening as the vampire. As for Keanu Reeves, and his British accent? Well…there's a reason this didn't make the Top 5.

THE TOP 5

5. The Lost Boys

Judging by the numbers of Goth boys and girls who still think it's cool to read Anne Rice and Laurel K. Hamilton books and pretend they themselves are vampires, I think it's safe to say there's an unmistakable appeal to the idea of joining the ranks of the undead. Perhaps no other vampire movie ever captured that excitement better than The Lost Boys. It's all right there in the movie's tag-line: "Sleep all day, party all night � it's fun to be a vampire." Hell yeah, where do I sign up? People can give Joel Schumacher all the crap they want for Batman & Robin, and yes, he deserves it. But, hey, he also made Lost Boys, so he's got that going for him.

4. Fright Night

An amusing horror-comedy that seems made specifically for horror fans. Just think of the premise � how great would it be to get to team up with one of your favorite horror-movie or horror-TV icons, and take on a real-life bloodsucker? And if that bloodsucker just happened to also be that douche-bag from The Princess Bride? Bonus.

3. From Dusk Till Dawn

Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez will be the first to tell you that their flick is really more of a zombie film in spirit (as they do on the film's DVD commentary). But, that's in spirit � these bastards are vampires, and so they're making the list. At a time when most vampire flicks were offering pretty-boy vamps more concerned with romance than feeding, From Dusk Till Dawn came along to remind us all that these nasty suckers will rip you to pieces if given the chance. An extra treat? The vampire element doesn't even pop up until about halfway through the movie, so try showing it to someone who knows nothing about the flick, and let them enjoy the surprise.

2. Dracula

OK, yes, the concurrent Spanish version (which was filmed on the same sets after the crew for this film would go home for the night) is technically the better film. But when you think of Dracula, do you think of Carlos Villarias, or do you think of Bela Lugosi? Yeah, that's what I thought. When viewed objectively, the film moves fairly slow, and is pretty light on actual scares and thrills. Still, this is all more than made up for by Lugosi, whose iconic performance will always be what people first think of when they think Dracula.

1. Near Dark

I know this might take quite the leap of imagination, but picture yourself as a kick-ass vampire movie starring Adrian Pasdar, Bill Paxton, and Lance Hendriksen, complete with your very own unique take on the vampire mythos. Now imagine that, through some unfortunate stroke of luck, you're scheduled to be released to theaters on the same day as The Lost Boys. DAMMIT! Near Dark should have been the vampire film of the '80s, but was regrettably overshadowed by the then unstoppable might of the two Corey's. Luckily, Near Dark has subsequently found the cult following it deserves, and is currently in the works to be remade. It's highly doubtful this new version will be anywhere near as cool as the original (No Bill Baxton = no thank you), so do yourself a favor and check this one out first.



Owain J. Brimfield

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Vampire Hunter D (1985), Night Watch (2006), Dracula (1931)

THE TOP 5

5. Blade (1998)

Blade is probably more responsible than any other film for perpetuating the urban vampire archetype, and it does so with an unmistakable style. Ok, so there's nothing much in the way of real substance, and the CGI has dated horribly, but there's no denying that Wesley Snipes is fucking cool as the Daywalker. Even country music hack Kris Kristofferson regains some credibility in his role as the cancer-stricken bearded sidekick of Blade. Sadly the franchise has gone down the pan since the original showed so much promise, but Blade remains an important addition to the vampire movie canon.

4. Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter (2001)

I think all you need to know is in the title of this one. Glorious.

3. Shadow of the Vampire (2000)

Although not a traditional vampire horror movie, Shadow scores points for a strong cast (Dafoe, Elwes, Malkovich) and an ingenious premise, postulating that F.W. Murnau (the filmmaker behind my number one choice on this list) cast an actual vampire in the lead role of his 1920s vampire movie. Willem Dafoe is excellent as Max Schreck, envisioning him as an elderly vampire forced to subdue his passion for blood, and it's a treat to see a film as successful in its recreation of a classic as it is in its own right.

2. Dracula (1958)

While the film itself is a good-but-not-quite-great horror flick, Dracula scores its points for the mesmerizing and overpowering screen presence of Christopher Lee in the title role. It was this performance that solidified the career of one of the all-time greats, and by jove, what an impressive performance it is. You can't ever tear your eyes away for the infamous Count, who dominates every scene and is one of the most indefatigable screen monsters ever seen. Add in a great role for Peter Cushing in the shape of Professor Van Helsing, cementing an on-screen partnership that would last for decades, and you have Hammer Horror's finest hour.

1. Nosferatu (1922)

The daddy of them all, F.W. Murnau's masterpiece is still unbeatable as the best, and scariest, vampire movie ever made. Max Schreck's iconic title role is still instantly recognizable eighty five years after the fact, and the famous scene featuring the vampire's shadow on the wall is as spine-tingling as it ever was. The more traditional conception of the vampire count as a suave aristocrat who seduces his victims through hypnosis was nowhere to be seen - Schreck's vampire is a twisted rodent-man who looks like the embodiment of plague itself, and is all the more scary - and yet at times pitiable - for it. Although the film's production company was sadly put out of business thanks to a lawsuit from Bram Stoker's widow, Nosferatu thankfully remained in print and begat every vampire move made since. Unmissable.



Ben Moser

5. Once Bitten

Here's a cute little premise starring Jim Carrey before he was Jim Carrey, a perfectly subtle performance from Cleavon Little, and a wonderfully over-the-top Lauren Hutton. It blends the overt sexuality in the vampire myth with the "everybody's doing it" attitude that every teen movie in the 80's had going for it. The result is a surprisingly still-funny flick that you can't help but enjoy.

4. Dracula (1931)

Bela Lugosi giving the Dracula performance that's still the most referenced in the world. I don't have a soft spot for many old movies, but this is the Dracula movie. There isn't much more I can say than that. There's still something just enchanting about this old flick.

3. Blade

This is more than just a vampire movie. This is the exception to the comic book movie rule. They took a character that has, to put it bluntly, always sucked and made an outstanding action movie around him. Normally, the most a comic book movie can hope for is to match the source material exactly (Sin City) or interpret it nearly flawlessly (Spider-Man 2). This actually improves upon the source material a million times over. And it's about vampires.

2. The Lost Boys

This has been getting tons of play on the movie channels lately, and I watch it every time. I can't help myself. Corey Feldman screaming at "bloodsuckers" and "flesheaters" never gets old, there's still something eerily engaging about how Jason Patric's character gets drawn into that world by Keifer Sutherland, Jami Gertz, and company, and Barard Hughes is magnificent right down to the perfect last line of the movie.

1. Shadow of the Vampire

John Malkovich, Cary Elwes, and Eddie Izzard all turn in great performances here, because they're always slam dunks. But Willem Dafoe is brilliant, even more so than usual. There isn't a single bit of this flick that isn't entirely enjoyable. I could watch it over and over and over again and still find new little ticks in the characters. The premise is beautifully simple, which goes a long way when you have such complex performances.



Mike Gorman

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Fright Night, John Carpenter's Vampires, Forsaken, Underworld

THE TOP 5

5. The Addiction

Lily Taylor stars as a grad student turned vampire in this independent film. It came at the height of "post-modernist theory" in academia and was a fun commentary on the life of a perpetual academic ending her thesis program and entering a world of blood and addiction. It by no means presents itself as a comedy but instead as a stark black and while tale of her descent into madness.

4. Once Bitten

A true Jim Carrey classic that cements its place on my list with its high school dance off between the head vamp, Lauren Hutton, and Carrey's girlfriend. They fight for his love to some rocking 80s music.

3. Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Yes, it does not at all compare to the TV show in substance or tone, but it does stand on its own as a great flick to watch with friends. The Valley Girl-esque Buffy in this film slays her way through a variety of vampiric caricatures including a sleazed up Paul Reubens, aka Pee Wee Herman. Without it we would never have seen the birth of one of the greatest TV shows ever.

2. Near Dark

Adrian Pasdar stars in this cowboy/vampire film that is dark, moody, and full of vibrant characters. Not once do they say the word vampire in this film but you know what the main characters are when Bill Paxton slits the bartender's throat with his cowboy boot spikes and then fills the beer mug with the resulting blood flow. The ending also features a unique twist on how one can be saved from life as a vampire.

1. Lost Boys

Hands down my favorite vampire film ever, if not favorite film ever. From the seductive life of the "lost boys" to the wacky adventures of the Frog brothers, this movie has it all. Too many fun lines to quote than I could mention here and a breakneck pace that leaves you wanting more in the end add to the genius that is The Lost Boys. How can you not love a film where a kid discovers his brother is a vampire and says, "My own brother, a goddamn s**t sucking vampire! You wait till mom hears about this!"



Joseph Lee

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Bram Stoker's Dracula, Night Watch, The Lost Boys

5. Fright Night

Until recently I hadn't even seen this movie. I caught it on television and was simply blown away. I realized what all the hype and love was about. Fright Night is just a fun time to be had by all, and Chris Sarandon is dripping charisma as the main villain. It also features Roddy McDowall.

4. From Dusk Til Dawn

Quentin Tarantino and George Clooney are trapped in a bar with vampires coming at them from all sides. This movie is just fun. There's lots of bloody gore to be had by all, and makeup master Tom Savini has a small role as "Sex Machine". Blood, sex, and vampires equals a movie that you really can't go wrong with if you're looking for a good time.

3. Near Dark

A modern vampire classic in it's own right. I think this is because it tries to put a new spin on the vampire film. As an additional bonus, it features Bill Paxton and Lance "The Man" Henriksen. You just can't beat that. It's something different, plus it's well-made.

2. Dracula(1931)

Bela Lugosi will always be Dracula. Many have tried, but none have succeeded in being as iconic as Lugosi. This movie still has some chills even today. Lugosi's haunting stare is one of these. He just delivers an excellent performance that simply cannot be rivaled. This would be my top vampire movie, if not for what I have for #1.

1. Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens

The first and the best, in my opinion. Nothing beats F.W. Murnau's classic even now. Sure the acting may seem a little silly but it was a 1920's silent film, what do you expect? There's a reason this film has persisted and held up as long as it has, that's because like the title character, it is immortal. Everything positive that can be said is said. Nosferatu should always be considered among the great vampire films.



Bryan Kristopowitz

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Life Force (1985): This is, of course, the big Golan Globus space vampire movie Tobe Hooper did before Golan Globus gave him money for Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. It's chock full of nudity, gore, action, science fiction hooey, and Patrick Stewart. That's all you really need to know about it.

Modern Vampires (1998): I find this movie both morally reprehensible and just plain old reprehensible. And it's pretty funny, too. You get to see vampires as narcissistic, snarky scumbags who do nothing but kill innocent people and, well, kill innocent people. And they're not Eurotrash scumbags, they're just scumbags. I can't say scumbags enough here. And that's why you need to see it. These are not people you want to emulate, and you don't feel sorry for them at all. That's a great vampire story to tell. And you get to see Rod Steiger kill vampires and Robert Pastorelli as Count Dracula. Oh, and if you see this on the shelves of a video store that still has videotapes, don't be fooled by the box (like I and I imagine plenty of other people were back in 1998). This is not a Blade knock off. It's not an action movie, either.

Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995): This is the last movie actually directed by Mel Brooks, and, as such, is a big hooha spoof of Dracula and vampire movies and the whole vampire myth thing. It's hilarious. It's got Mel as Van Helsing, Leslie Nielson as Dracula, and Peter MacNicol as Renfield, Dracula's underling. There's the autopsy scene, the scene where Renfield won't eat muffins but will eat spiders, and the scene where Steven Weber stabs Lysette Anthony in the heart: blood city. Great stuff.

THE TOP 5

5. George A. Romero's Martin (1977)

Zombie king Romero's stab at a vampire movie (this was the flick he made before Dawn of the Dead). It's not a vampire movie in the traditional sense in that no one in the movie is actually a vampire. The flick's main character, Martin (John Amplas), is a disturbed young man who thinks he's a vampire, and goes about killing people with a razor blade instead of fangs to drink blood. It's got weird beard black and white dream sequences, and special effects by Tom Savini, too. It's a flick you need to see, to get a sense of Romero's other work.

4. Near Dark (1987)

This is a great Lance Henriksen/Bill Paxton/Tim Thomerson flick, about vampires running around the southwest, doing what vampires do best. Kill people and drink blood. There's the disturbing bar scene where Bill Paxton drinks blood from that guy's neck, the bit where Lance Henriksen spits out the bullet he was just shot with, Paxton getting hit by the truck (great make up effects there), and the bit where the vampires are on fire and bursting into flames. Aside from his role as Chains Cooper in Stone Cold, Henriksen has never been more bad ass than here. If this does get remade, it'd be a blast to see Henriksen, Paxton, and Thomerson back. Maybe this time Tim will get to play a vampire.

3. Blade (1998)

Wesley Snipes is the half-human/half-vampire that has all of a vampire's strengths and none of its weaknesses, running around the world with the help of Kris Kristofferson killing scumbag Eurotrash vampires by the multitudes. Stephen Dorff is the piece of crap head of the Eurotrash vampires and Blade's main nemesis. There's plenty of hip and edgy kung fu action hooey and blood to keep things interesting. The flick is a tad slow between set pieces, but thankfully the action is fast and often. I'm one of those people who think Blade II is actually a better overall movie, but the first flick is the standard by which Guillermo del Toro tried to achieve in his flick. Only watch the third flick's action scenes. The rest is garbage.

2. John Carpenter's Vampires (1998)

A movie where both the vampires and the vampire hunters are out and out monsters, with James Woods as Vatican funded vampire killer Jack Crow and Thomas Ian Griffith as Valek the world's first vampire. Plenty of atmosphere, action, suspense, a killer score, outstanding gore effects, and some of the most disgusting foul language you're likely to hear in a movie from the late 1990's. A classic that still rocks, and a movie that should have been given a proper franchise, with Jack Crow coming back to kill more vampires. But that didn't happen. Instead we got Bon Jovi. Pity.

1. Dracula (1931)

While 1922's Nosferatu is the first big butt vampire movie ever made and is in itself a classic, the Bela Lugosi starring Dracula vampire flick is the vampire movie every other vampire movie for the last dang near century has had to deal with in some form or another. Lugosi is charm, charisma, and pure evil all rolled into one. It still works as a fright flick, and truthfully no one has done a better Dracula since.



Nick Wallander

5. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Okay, so this isn't the greatest vampire movie out there, but it is a so-so comedy. However this movie gets a nod because it inspired a critically acclaimed television show and even a spin-off. That is enough to make the list if you ask me.

4. Blade: Trinity

Wesley Snipes kicks some ass. Ryan Reynolds cracks a few jokes. Jessica Biel looks hot and fights with an ipod on. Triple H flips off the sun. These are all great elements to a fast paced and fun vampire more. Try and tell me that you didn't like it. Oh and I almost forgot the amazing performance by Parker Posey.

3. Monster Squad

Dracula invades a small town with the aide of several classic movie monsters such as The Wolfman, Frankenstein's monster, and a Mummy in search of an ancient mystical gem. The story is every kid's dream because the kids are center stage as the heroes battling the good Count until the bitter end.

2. The Lost Boys

Who wouldn't like an 80s vampire movie featuring the two Coreys? Throw in Kiefer Sutherland as a bad ass punk vampire and you are working with magic right from the get go. The ending of this movie kind of shocked me the first time around, but every subsequent time I have noticed how obvious some things were. Not that you care, but I just needed to get that out there.

1. Nosferatu

It is a silent film and one of the creepiest damn things you will ever see. The most amazing thing about the creepiness of this movie is that it was made in 1922. Never before has a vampire been so creature-like and to be honest, it is a good thing here. You can probably buy this one cheap in one of those 50 movie dvd sets for ten bucks.
John Whallon couldn't be put to the test. Prior to yesterday's game against Southold, the Stony Brook coach said he didn't care if his team won or lost. At all. Seriously.

This wasn't Vince Lombardi modified. It was the antithesis.

"All I care about is that we play the right way. The result isn't important," Whallon said.



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Naturally, the Suffolk League VIII boys soccer game resulted in a scoreless tie, so Whallon's pregame thoughts couldn't get a postgame analysis.

While he wasn't pleased with the first half, the second half was more to his liking.

"Win, lose or draw, I just want us to improve. The second half was a building block for us," Whallon said.

It wasn't only Stony Brook's play that impressed Whallon. The man with perpetual positivity even shouted support for Southold at its best moments.

At one point, he yelled, "Great ball No. 14," referring to Southold midfielder Justin Rothman.

"I just love soccer. When you see a great ball you acknowledge it," the first-year coach said.

"You have to stop and think for a second. Is he talking to our team or the other team?" Stony Brook senior Derek Valet said. "I've never actually seen a coach do that before. He's a very nice guy."

Neither team came particularly close to scoring. Stony Brook loaded its defense for much of the game and Southold was steady in the back, as well. Adrian Hussan made four saves for Stony Brook (7-2-2 League VIII). Southold goalie John Dunne made five.

Southold (10-1-1) had won nine of its last 10 and is slowly regaining the form of the team that made it to the state Class C semifinals last year. Southold was forced to play virtually the entire game without Alex George, one of its top midfielders, who re-injured his hamstring moments after entering the game.

"I think we played a decent game, but we didn't capitalize on some chances," Southold senior William Smith said. "This isn't a setback because we didn't play that badly."

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