The Critics Were Wrong (Maybe)- Vampire In Brooklyn (1995)

The myth of the vampire is part monster, part seducer.

In 1995, a multi-cultural spin was put on the vampire myth in a Vampire in Brooklyn.

Maximillian (Eddie Murphy) is the lone survivor from a race of vampires who once lived on a Caribbean island. He must find a mate and produce children, otherwise the line will cease to exist upon his passing. Aware of a child born to a vampire father and a human mother, Maximillian travels to Brooklyn, NY to find her. Detective Rita Veder (Angela Bassett), does not know that her father was a vampire. All she knows is that her mother died in an asylum and she is having strange, vivid dreams.

After finding Rita, Max set’s his sight on seducing her and bring her vampire side out. But Rita’s partner, Detective Justice (Allen Payne) has feeling for Rita that go beyond the professional realm. Will Max bring out Rita’s vampire self or will Detective Justice speak up before it is too late?

Loosely based on Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Dracula, the film tries put an Afro-Caribbean twist on the novel that we all know.

Were the critics wrong? The movie is not totally bad, the plot for the most part, adheres the plot in the novel.  It’s nice to see actors of color continue to stretch their wings. And unlike Mina in the original novel, Rita is a strong and capable woman. But even with those qualities and the late Wes Craven in the director’s chair, the film is sadly teeters between half decent and bad.

Were the critics wrong? To answer the question, no.

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