4 of 24

Write now Article Tools

At least every few years another vampire film comes out with a major budget, hoping to catch the best of the traditional seductive horror of a vampire film while putting a new spin or twist on it. "30 Days of Night" is based on the graphic novel by Steve Niles, who also had some input on writing the script for the movie version.

This movie takes place in Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost city in the world, which undergoes 30 days of complete darkness every year (it's actually more in real life, but for the movie's sake 30 days works). Marlow is the leader of a group of vampires, and speaks in an ancient language, while the other vampires only screech loudly, often like real bats, before attacking.

What is very interesting about this movie is that they don' give a darn about the concept of the "sexy" or "sensual" vampire. These vampires are brutish predators, smart and evil, and very unattractive, all the way through. They're in Barrow for a feeding frenzy, and that's exactly what they do while a small group of survivors try to hide and wait it out, fighting back when necessary.

This film isn't great, but it isn't bad, either. It has many of the same flaws that many horror movies have, including being loaded with clichs, the really repetitive "it gets quiet then a vampire bursts out of nowhere" scare, and really paper thin character development. But that being said, it is an entertaining film that shows the vampires as a pack of predators, making them very unique compared to other vampire films.

The opening scene of the all out vampire slaughter, shot from a birds-eye view as shotguns go off in vain self defense and blood spatters the snow, is stunning and an exceptional piece of camera work that really gives a definitively unique feel to this film. The vampires are portrayed as a pack of instinctive killers, but despite the more animal version of vampires in this film, they're also very smart making them even more terrifying.

This movie is definitely worth a rental. I would give it a strong C+. You're not blown away, but it is a fairly well put together movie that isn't going to disappoint.

Learn more about this author, Shane Dayton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: 30 Days of Night?
We want to hear your view. Write now!