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5.0 out of 5 stars
Not the TV Series, Thank God, Feb 22 2004
This review is from: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Widescreen) (DVD)
This was simply an excellently done movie, for it's genre. We're not talking Citizen Kane or Bridge over the River Kwai, of course- but it's not trying to be that. It's just fun, and incredibly witty. One of the best comedies I've ever seen, revealing of the drive for materialism verses things that really matter, full of Christological and soteriological allegory. Later on there was a TV series by the same name, that took the kernel of the idea and twisted it, taking something humorous and making it dark, new-agey, and frankly weird. This original movie has little in it to offend, unless, of course, you're a vampire. It's very vampirist.
Buffy cares only for herself, learning the values of the American Me Generation. Until she learns that she has been chosen for something far greater, and that there are things of far more import in this world than wearing what is retro, and avoiding what is five minutes ago. While hopefully the viewer finds humor throughout the movie, they also can be challenged to reevaluate who they are, and what they consider life to be. The unexamined life is not worth living- but neither is the unlived life. Does not the best of humor point to something beyond? Does it not call us to be something more than we are? This movie does that.
The writing is excellent, the acting good- especially by Donald Sutherland and Peewee Herman. If you rent it, you'll enjoy it. I'd stake my life on it.
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2.0 out of 5 stars
The Bad Buffy, Jun 3 2004
This review is from: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Widescreen) (DVD)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is definetly not as successful as it's counterpart T.V. series but it served up a pretty well rounded story.The characters were fairly likeable.Joss Whedon is very creative and intelligant ; I give him thumbs up for trying something new.I just kinda felt weird after watching it.I guess I expected to much from it.If you watch it ; thinking it will be sucky you probably won't feel as bad.Luke Perry did a pretty good job with Kristy Swanson who got very annoying after an hour and a half.The plot was really good but they didn't use it the right way.The vampires seemed to fake and when Buffy staked them they did not turn to dust; I always enjoyed that from the T.V. series.Check this one out only if you have nothing better to do.Blonde, bouncy Buffy is your typical high school cheerleader - her goal is to "marry Christian Slater and die" and nothing gets in her way when it's time to shop.But all that changes when a strange man informs her she's been chosen by ill fate to kill vampires.With the help of a romantic rebel, Buffy is soon spending school nights protecting L.A. from Lothos, The Vampire King, his sidekick, Lefty, and their determined gang of bloodsuckers.It's everything you'd expect from a teen queen in the valley.
"Not bad but pales to the terrific TV show."
-- Gerry Shamray, SUN NEWSPAPERS OF CLEVELAND
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4.0 out of 5 stars
I like it!, May 19 2004
This review is from: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Widescreen) (DVD)
I have had this movie for years and just watched it again last Sunday. I think its funny and campy the way it is supposed to be. Sure it doesn't compare to the TV show but its still fun. I love Kristy Swanson. She was the perfect answer to the 80's backlash. She wouldn't have worked in the more serious TV show (besides I could never live without Sarah Michelle's portrayal) but I adore her none the less. And surprisngly, Buffy and Pike (Luke Perry) were wonderful together. I want to see more Buffy stuff. BUFFY FOREVER!
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