Blacula (1972)

Gotta love Denise Nicholas, 29 January 2006

In the 18th Century, Count Dracula invites an African Prince and his wife to his home in Transylvania to discuss an alliance between their two countries. Slavery and the Prince's wife prove to be the sticking point. Before the Prince can take his leave, Dracula attacks the Prince, places a curse on him, and puts his body in a locked casket for eternity. Centuries later, the Prince is released from his prison and almost immediately meets a woman who is remarkably similar to his wife. The Prince, now known as Blacula, will do whatever it takes to make this woman his new bride.

Sounds familiar, huh? The basic plot structure of Blacula has been seen countless times before. There's very little new ground broken here. In fact, and to be quite honest, Blacula isn't very good. Much of the acting is bad and the special effects are even worse. Blacula's makeup changes from scene to scene. Atmosphere and tension are totally foreign. Logic is non-existent. But what makes Blacula at least somewhat enjoyable are the Blaxplotation and other camp elements. Blacula is, of course, black and this is modern day (1972) America. Blacula swings at a nightclub to some very funky 70s music. Blacula's first two victims are a pair of homosexuals presented with every 70s stereotype intact. Blacula makes love with his intended victim. You won't see this stuff in just any old vampire film.

5/10