There were key movies in my life that helped to make me who I am today. Movies that I have loved from the moment the opening credit rolled and still love now. This blog series is about those, My guilty pleasures, my favorites, my escapes. Some were very popular, others not so much. Some of these will have some real life take-aways, others are just for fun. Today we discuss Bloodstone, the second in the Fullmoon Video Subspecies franchise.
Today’s Key Movie:
Taking place moments after the previous film, a reincarnated Radu kills his brother and continues his hunt for the Bloodstone as he chases down his brothers former bride turned Vampire, Michelle. After calling for her sister for help, Michelle soon confronts Radu’s mother, a literal Mummy, who is determined to prevent Radu from failure.
Starring Anders Hove, Denice Duff, Kevin Spirtas, Melanie Shatner, Michael Denish and Pamela Gordon, this film continues the story of Radu the Vampire and his lust for power.
Why this movie?
As I said in the previous review, this franchise was a favorite as a kid and, frankly still is. There are very few Vampire franchises out there and frankly, in my opinion, the Subspecies franchise is one of the best. As a kid, Fullmoon Video was our go to for Direct To Video VHS horror films and when we found this franchise it was very exciting when a new film was released. I really do hope this franchise gets a new life but, until it does, these classics remain and are absolutely gems to enjoy.
You like it, but is it really a ‘good’ movie?
While most sequels of horror films tend to go too far, Bloodstone is very careful not to stray from the main story but enhanced what was established in the first film. Radu is still after the Bloodstone but he is also hunting Michelle who he wants as his bride. Michell on the other hand is struggling with her newfound vampirism while her sister tries to find her. So, this is a film that is far more layered than the first one, yet somehow manages to pull it off without feeling too complicated or overproduced.
What I love about these films is that, even though they are low budget horror, they dont really ‘feel’ like low budget horror. Director Ted Nicolaou is very careful with his shots and his pacing, giving those new to the franchise enough information while keeping up the pace for people who have been there from the start. Now, I am not saying this film is perfect, no, there are some rather silly moments and, of course, there is some hokey dialogue from time to time, but you have to remember that this is a direct to video franchise. With that there is bound to be moments of silliness, but thankfully Bloodstone manages to avoid those moments for the most part.
Once again, Actor Anders Hove completely dominates the screen as The Vampire Radu. Between his demeaner and tremendous makeup, his portrayal of Radu is one of the very best portrayals of a classic Vampire that has been seen on screen. His portrayal is that of pure evil and darkness, he is sadistic while also being completely relatable. While he is indeed the villain of the series, for some reason you find yourself wanting him to return no matter what happens to him…or what he does to others.
Oh and then there is Radu’s mother aka ‘Mummy’ the…errr…mummy/zombie/witch/thing. Played by Pamela Gordon, she is a genuinly creepy and disturbing addition to the Subspecies story that works on every level. She is shown to be the true evil and probably the reason Radu is so bad, but man, if the Crypt Keeper needed a bride, well, he’d have to look no further as this is someone right up his alley!
Overall, Bloodstone is a tremendous sequel to Subspecies that you really should give a go if you have any interest in Vampires or the like. That being said, this movie sets up a sequel of it’s own so once you are in, well…dont expect an easy escape.
OK, where do I get this movie?
My best recommendation is to go straight to the source and grab a copy from Fullmoon Video. They tend to keep these on hand and you can get them on Blueray as well!
Next week, we discuss Bloodlust: Subspecies III until then…
Late To The Game 11/18/2021
If you would like to read more reviews please check out the rest of the Key Movies Of My Life that comes out every Thursday.
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