A vampire babe kills lots of people in this would-be erotic horror actioner from the UK. It could be better.

The Package
     This 1998 film is said to be the best showcase for the talents (both of ‘em) of Eileen Daley, England’s top horror starlet (see SACRED FLESH, CRADLE OF FEAR and MACHINES OF LOVE AND HATE). It also marked the last film of the British exploitation veteran David Warbeck, who graced grade-B classics like THE LAST HUNTER, THE BEYOND and RAT MAN.

The Story
     Lilith is a vampire seductress currently employed as a hit woman. In this way she can drink peoples’ blood without the anxiety of searching out victims. But she’s begun to notice a strange ring worn by her most recent victims bearing an eyeball in its center.
     A computer nerd colleague fills Lilith in on the significance of the ring: it’s worn by members of the Illuminati, an age-old cult that has apparently taken over England’s criminal underworld. Lilith decides to take on the Illuminati, and packs a buttload of firepower. It turns out the cult stronghold just happens to be the very castle where she was vampirized a century earlier. Plus the cult is led by the same guy who did the deed way back when. Quite a convenient wind-up, you must admit--although with the two principals being vampires, not all is as it seems!

The Direction
     There’s plenty of action and sex in this R-rated film, but the gore quotient is surprisingly sparse (I’ve heard an unrated version exists, but I’ve not seen it). It has some good moments in the beginning (most notably the way-cool CGI opening credits sequence) but gets bogged down with tacky John Woo-inspired shoot-outs--I thought this was a vampire movie!
     Writer/director Jake West has energy to spare (his other films include EVIL ALIENS and DOGHOUSE), but this film lacks focus. The camerawork and editing are expansive and undisciplined, which can be exhilarating, but more often the effect is one of confusion and irritation; things tend to be covered from every angle but horizontal, meaning we rarely ever get a sense of a location’s proper layout.
     As for Eileen Daly in the lead role, I’m not among those enamored with her. She’s definitely got screen presence, and looks quite alluring…from certain angles. For the most part I found her not especially sexy, and since a large portion of the film’s story and visuals hinges on Ms. Daly’s fuckability this is no idle concern. Bottom line: if you’re among those who are into her (and there are apparently quite a few who are) then you’ll probably enjoy RAZOR BLADE SMILE far more than I did.
 

Vital Statistics

RAZOR BLADE SMILE
Manga Live/Eye Deal Image