Is the murderous vampire at hand weakened by a cross? Does it require a proper hanging? Might it fall prey to the usually reliable wooden stake through the heart? One would hope, but this time around it is not so easy.
A true highlight of the film comes when Dr. Marcus is converted to the dark side. He wishes for death before he can reap havoc and murder across the country side. Seeing this as an excellent opportunity for experimentation, Kronos and Grost tie Marcus to a chair and use various methods of destruction to see which one kills properly. No less than three methods into the experiment (Marcus groaning and wailing in pain all the while), the good doctor is finally laid to rest accidentally as Kronos slaps him in the chest driving the arm of his silver cross home.
The often stale vampire mythos has been known to mire a vampire flick for the true fans. Thanks to this film, the stale legends and beliefs are thrown to the wind breathing new life into the tired genre. To add to this reawakening, we have the swashbuckling manhood of Captain Kronos himself.
The vampire hunter has nearly always been a studious and scholarly old chap in the guise of Van Helsing. Here, the filmmakers they have thrown that image away and replaced it with a glowing embodiment of manhood. Dashing about with multiple swords drawn, Kronos fights his way across the countryside in search of the evil undead plaguing the village. Not one to fear a little spilled blood here and there, as Kronos blunders about one has to wonder just who is more dangerous to this small country village; the evil vampire or Captain Kronos himself?
With a fresh look at the genre and a recasting of standard characters, this film rises above the standard fare. Rousing fun and filled with many a good laugh, this is a good way to kill an evening as well as a few villagers and maidens. Vampire fans take note and horror fans as well; Hammer is not about jump scares. It’s about Gothic adventure and internal horror. As soon as you can wrap your head around that, you’ll be in for a treat.
Four blond and burly vampire hunters out of five...
Fair Warning: Captain Kronos quite possibly has the highest quotient of Hammer Hotties packed into a film at once! If only it had Ingrid Pitt... I'd probably still be watching it!
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