Blade II

(2002) *1/2

I feel like I could review this by just writing "See review for blade 1, more of the same." Blade II takes place a few years after the conclusion of the first movie. Blade and his new friend/assistant, Scud (Norman Reedus) continue the work of protecting humans and hunting vampires while also searching for his missing mentor Whistler (don't worry, Kris Kristofferson reappears at some point in the movie). This movie introduces new vampire villains and a new vampire breed referred to as Reapers. Reapers are stronger than regular vampires, have a more insatiable thirst, and their victims turn into Repears (nice touch of vampire-zombie lore remix).

Insane dislocating multi-jaw and sucker mouth of Reapers

The plot thickens (slightly) when the vampire elders ask Blade for a truce, resulting in Blade teaming with the group of vampires (including Ron Perlman) originally intended to hunt and kill Blade. The movie includes standard off the shelf plot points in attempting to create intrigue, however I found most of the vampire politics, hidden agendas, duplicitous allies/enemies plot devices transparent and predictable.

some CGI improved, some didn't

Again I probably would have liked it more had I seen it when it first came out. Blade II, much like the first, does not stand the test of time. It has a few nice action sequences and the effects definitely improved relative to the first movie, but I was still pretty bored when watching it.