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Blade: Trinity

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Blade: Trinity
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDavid S. Goyer
Written byDavid S. Goyer
Based on
Blade
by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyGabriel Beristain
Edited by
  • Conrad Smart
  • Howard E. Smith
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed byNew Line Cinema
Release date
  • December 8, 2004 (2004-12-08)
Running time
113 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$65 million[1]
Box office$132 million[1]

Blade: Trinity is a 2004 American superhero horror film written, produced and directed by David S. Goyer, who also wrote the screenplays to Blade and Blade II. It stars Wesley Snipes, who also produced, in the title role, as Marvel Comics character Blade, with a supporting cast of Ryan Reynolds, Jessica Biel, Kris Kristofferson, Dominic Purcell, Parker Posey and Triple H.

The third and final film in the Blade film series, the war between humans and vampires continues. However, the human-vampire hybrid Blade has been framed for countless murders by the vampire leader Danica Talos, who's determined to lead her bloodthirsty compatriots to victory. Now, Blade must team up with a band of rogue vampire hunters to save humanity from his most challenging enemy yet: Dracula.

The film grossed $132 million at the box office worldwide on a budget of $65 million and received mostly negative reviews from critics for its formulaic themes, directing and acting; it is the worst-reviewed film in the trilogy. The film was followed by 2006's Blade: The Series, and also marks Reynolds' first superhero role, as well as his first collaboration with Marvel Entertainment. The film was followed by a television series also called Blade on Spike TV. Marvel regained the film rights to the character in 2012.

Plot

A small group of vampires investigate an ancient tomb in the Syrian Desert, which they believe belongs to Dracula, the first vampire. To keep Blade from interfering, they frame him for the murder of a human familiar. FBI agents subsequently locate Blade's hideout and kill his mentor and friend, Abraham Whistler. Demoralized, Blade surrenders and is arrested.

The vampires' familiars have arranged for the authorities to turn Blade over to them. He is rescued by Hannibal King and Abigail Whistler, Abraham's daughter, who invite Blade to join their band of vampire hunters, the Nightstalkers. From them, Blade learns that Danica Talos, an old enemy of King's, has revived Dracula, or "Drake", with the goal of using his powers to cure vampires of their weaknesses. As the first of the vampires, Drake's DNA is untainted and he is able to survive in sunlight. Along with newly-innovative ultraviolet "Sun dog" ammunition, the Nightstalkers have created an experimental bioweapon known as Daystar, capable of killing vampires at the genetic level. However, they need a purer blood source to make it effective. As Drake is too powerful to kill via normal means, they hope that the virus will kill him and, with his blood in the mix, ensure the rest of the species is wiped out, but also fear that this will include Blade.

Eager to test Blade, Drake isolates him from the Nightstalkers, as he considers them unworthy of challenging him. He explains his view that all humans and vampires are inferior in his eyes and that he intends to wipe them from the Earth. Abigail finds evidence of the vampires' "Final solution": a network of 'farms' where comatose humans are drained of their blood for vampire consumption. It is said that hunting humans are too inefficient in harvesting blood so the vampires decide to kidnap homeless people to be used as blood castles with the help of corrupted cops like Chief Martin Vreede to produce blood for them to consume. Told the humans are all brain dead, Blade deactivates the farm's life support systems and executes Vreede with a shot in the back.

Returning to the Nightstalkers' hideout, Abigail and Blade find all of them dead except for King and Sommerfield's daughter Zoe, both of whom have been taken captive. A recording left by Sommerfield, Daystar's creator, reveals that Drake's blood is all that is needed to make it complete and effective. King is tortured by the vampires for information, but refuses to talk, even when they threaten to turn him and feed him Zoe's blood.

Blade and Abigail arrive and free the captives. Drake eventually bests Blade in single combat and prepares to kill him with his own sword. Abigail fires the Daystar arrow, but Drake catches it before it strikes him. He drops it to the floor by Blade, not realizing the danger it poses to him. Abigail shoots Drake with another arrow, this time wounding him. Blade uses the distraction to stab Drake with the Daystar arrow, triggering a chemical reaction that completes the "Daystar" virus, releasing it into the air, the virus becomes airborne, killing Danica and the rest of the vampires. As Drake slowly succumbs to his wounds and the virus, he praises Blade for fighting honorably, but warns him that he will eventually succumb to his need for blood, thus proving that Blade already is the new type of vampire.

Using the last of his power, Drake shapeshifts into Blade. The FBI recover the body and declare Blade legally dead (In the unrated cut, as the FBI tries to do an autopsy on "Blade", Drake springs back to life, killing several of the autopsy members before ominously looming over one of the orderlies). King narrates that the virus did not kill Blade as the human half of his heart did not stop beating, it only slowed down, causing him to enter into a comatose state until his body was ready to fight again. Blade awakens several months later ready to continue his war on all vampire-kind.

Cast

Production

Development

In 2001, before the release of Blade 2, New Line made a deal with David Goyer to write and produce a third blade film.[2]

In August, 2003 Ryan Reynolds was in negotiation to join the film and Ashley Scott was also being considered as his counterpart, and that they might also star in a potential spin-off film.[3] Later that month Jessical Biel signed on to the project.[4]

Production troubles

Reportedly, series star Wesley Snipes was unhappy with the film's script and original choice of director. David S. Goyer, who had written all three films in the franchise, was then selected to replace Guillermo Del Toro as the director of the film, which Snipes also protested (Del Toro had written a layout for a sequel to Blade II before exiting the project).[citation needed] Snipes reportedly caused difficulty during filming, including frequently refusing to shoot scenes, often forcing director Goyer to use stand-ins and computer effects to add his character to scenes. Goyer described making the film as "the most personally and professionally difficult and painful thing I've ever been through."[5] Co-star Patton Oswalt alleged that Snipes would spend much of his time smoking marijuana in his trailer, and that he became violent with Goyer after falsely accusing him of racism. It has also been alleged that Snipes refused to interact with Goyer or his co-stars, and would instead communicate with them through his assistant or the use of notes.[6] Snipes also allegedly referred to co-star Ryan Reynolds as a "cracker" on one or more occasions.[7] Snipes denied that version of events and said that as an executive producer on the film he had the authority to decide but that some people had difficulty accepting that.[8]

Language

In the DVD special features,[9] Goyer talks about how cities are often multilingual. Goyer used Esperanto and its flag as part of the fictional city where Blade is set.[10] The Esperanto flag is shown twice, at the entrance to the Police headquarters after Blade is rescued from jail, and in the rooftop scene where Drake threatens to drop a baby over the edge.[10] Background elements such as signs and advertisements include Esperanto translations. Hannibal King is at one point seen watching the William Shatner-starring Esperanto language film Incubus on television; one reviewer remarked that it was "an unintentionally apt reference" considering first-time director "Goyer's grasp of directorial fundamentals (such as when to tilt the camera and when to shoot in close-up) is about as strong as Shatner's fluency in Esperanto."[11] The film's director of photography, Gabriel Beristain, makes a cameo appearance as the one-eyed newspaper vendor who talks to Whistler in Esperanto and discusses the public perception that Blade is a menace to society.

Music

Main article: Blade: Trinity (soundtrack)

A soundtrack containing hip hop music and electronic music was released on November 23, 2004 by New Line Records. It peaked at #68 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and #15 on the Top Soundtracks.

Release

Lawsuit

In 2005, Snipes sued New Line Cinema and Goyer, claiming that the studio did not pay his full salary, that he was intentionally cut out of casting decisions and the filmmaking process, despite being one of the producers, and that his character's screen time was reduced in favor of costars Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel.[12] In 2006, Snipes was sued by United Talent Agency for allegedly failing to fulfill agreements to pay commission to the agency on his earnings.[13]

Reception

Box office

The film's American box office gross was $52 million, and the total worldwide gross was $128.9 million.[1] This matched the first Blade's take but came behind Blade II, which had grossed $150 million worldwide.[14][15]

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 25% based on reviews from 168 critics, with an average rating of 4.42/10. The website's consensus reads: "Louder, campier, and more incoherent than its predecessors, Blade: Trinity seems content to emphasize style over substance and rehash familiar themes."[16] On Metacritic the film has a score of 38% based on reviews from 30 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[17] Rotten Tomatoes included the film at 76 out of 94 on a countdown (from 94 to 1) of "worst to best" comic book to film adaptations.[18] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[19]

Roger Ebert, who gave Blade 3 stars out of 4[20] and Blade II 3½ stars,[21] gave Blade: Trinity 1½ stars, writing: "It lacks the sharp narrative line and crisp comic-book clarity of the earlier films, and descends too easily into shapeless fight scenes that are chopped into so many cuts that they lack all form or rhythm."[22] James Berardinelli also rated the film 1½ stars out of 4, stating: "Blade: Trinity is a carbon copy of its predecessors. It's all kick-ass attitude and style without any substance to back it up. Yet, where the first two Blades satisfied on a visceral level, this one doesn't."[23]

Future

Cancelled spin-offs

In October 2008, Blade director Stephen Norrington was developing a prequel trilogy to Blade, featuring Stephen Dorff reprising his role as Deacon Frost.[24][25] In 2016, Underworld actress Kate Beckinsale stated that a crossover sequel to Blade: Trinity with the Underworld film series had been in development but was cancelled after the film rights reverted to Marvel Studios in 2012.[26][27]

Marvel Cinematic Universe

In May 2013, Marvel had a working script for a new Blade film.[28] In July 2015, Wesley Snipes, who played Blade in three films before the character's rights reverted to Marvel, stated that he had had discussions with Marvel to reprise the role.[29][30][31]

In July 2019, at the San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios announced that it would be rebooting the character and integrating Blade into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Mahershala Ali cast as the title character.[32] However, MCU producer Kevin Feige noted that the Blade reboot would be part of Marvel's Phase Five slate of films.[33]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Blade: Trinity (2004)". Box Office Mojo. February 24, 2005. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  2. ^ Fleming, Michael (August 21, 2001). "New Line sharpens 'Blade 3'". Variety.
  3. ^ Fleming, Michael (August 21, 2003). "Reynolds wields 'Blade'". Variety. Pairing could lead to a spinoff film.
  4. ^ "Biel sharpens up for 'Blade'". Variety. August 27, 2003. Pairing of Biel and Reynolds could lead to a spinoff film and a new franchise for the company.
  5. ^ Eggertsen, Chris (January 6, 2016). "David Goyer: I never spoke to Wesley Snipes again after nightmarish 'Blade 3' shoot". UPROXX.
  6. ^ Nathan Rabin (November 19, 2012). "Patton Oswalt on his most memorable roles and giving life advice to Dane Cook". The A.V. Club.
  7. ^ Chris Parry (April 22, 2005). "eFilmCritic - Drugs, Stand-Ins, Mood Swings and Legal Action: The Real Wesley Snipes". eFilmCritic. I spent two days on the Blade: Trinity set on behalf of Spin Magazine
  8. ^ Simon Hattenstone (November 2, 2020). "Wesley Snipes on art, excellence and life after prison: 'I hope I came out a better person'". The Guardian.
  9. ^ David S Goyer. 'Nightstalkers, Daywalkers and Familiars: The World of Blade: Trinity.
  10. ^ a b António Martins (March 16, 2004). "Flags of the World, Blade Trinity, Unnamed City in the USA". Retrieved October 27, 2009.
  11. ^ Nick Schager (July 6, 2004). "Blade: Trinity, Film Review". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on March 17, 2009. Retrieved October 27, 2009.
  12. ^ Shprintz, Janet (April 20, 2005). "Snipes throwing legal blade at 'Trinity' team". Variety. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  13. ^ Variety Staff (August 1, 2006). "UTA gripes over Snipes". Variety.
  14. ^ "Blade (1998)". Box Office Mojo. IMDB. October 16, 1998. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  15. ^ "Blade II (2002)". Box Office Mojo. IMDB. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  16. ^ "Blade: Trinity (2004)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  17. ^ "Blade: Trinity". Metacritic. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  18. ^ "Comix Worst to Best". Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  19. ^ "Cinemascore". CinemaScore. Archived from the original on December 20, 2018.
  20. ^ Ebert, Roger (August 21, 1998). "Blade". Chicago Sun-Times.
  21. ^ Ebert, Roger (March 22, 2002). "Blade II". Chicago Sun-Times.
  22. ^ Ebert, Roger (December 7, 2004). "Even Blade fans will find Trinity a bloody bore". Chicago Sun-Times.
  23. ^ "Blade: Trinity - Reelviews Movie Reviews - James Berardinelli". Reelviews.net.
  24. ^ https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/56913-norrington-dorff-teaming-on-blade-spin-off
  25. ^ "Blade Spinoff In Development: Will Feature Stephen Dorff Reprising Deacon Frost Role". Dietrichthrall.wordpress.com. July 8, 2009. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
  26. ^ Jayson, Jay (October 7, 2016). "Marvel Is Doing Something With Blade According To Kate Beckinsale". ComicBook.com.
  27. ^ Kit, Borys (August 14, 2012). "Fox's Daredevil Rights on Verge of Reverting to Marvel as Ticking Clock Looms (Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
  28. ^ Kit, Borys; Bond, Paul (May 7, 2013). "Marvel Cliffhanger: Robert Downey Jr.'s $50 Million Sequel Showdown". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 18, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  29. ^ The Player: Wesley Snipes, Philip Winchester Interview – Comic-Con 2015. July 10, 2015 – via YouTube.
  30. ^ Snipes "In Talks" With Marvel About Blade Reboot. IGN News. July 10, 2015 – via YouTube.
  31. ^ Patten, Dominic (July 9, 2015). "Comic-Con: Wesley Snipes On 'Blade' Marvel Talks, 'The Player' & Spike Lee". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 10, 2015. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  32. ^ Galuppo, Mia (July 20, 2019). "Mahershala Ali to Star in 'Blade' Reboot for Marvel". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  33. ^ "Blade Is Officially An MCU Phase 5 Movie". ScreenRant. July 21, 2019. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
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