We keep odd hours..


My memory of Near Dark was patchy before our reunion last night..

There are silly and glaring lapses of logic, for instance during the final act they were caught out by the Sun, surely a group of ancient vampires would have been well versed in the art of preparation and made sure that their vehicle was blacked out?

I understand that it is a great plot device and sets up a few exhilarating sequences but, just like the knife that befriends Jesse it sticks in the throat some what. Additionally I had an issue with the pacing during the second act and the music didn't suit every scene.

Bill Paxton steals the show without a shadow of a doubt, I loved his portrayal of Severen, he absolutely nails every scene. The bar sequence is utterly gruesome.

Despite my grievances Near Dark holds up well after thirty years.


It's all a deep end.

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Jess, I smell like a dead pool cat.

Bill Paxton was the highlight of the movie. And it does hold up after 30 years, no doubt.

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I think I'll also chime in here, seeing as how it may be my last chance to voice an opinion about this movie on IMDB. 

Near Dark is my favorite vampire movie ever. The concept alone sells it, nomadic psycho redneck vampires. Who wouldn't love a movie like that?  For me at least, the fact the movie never once mentions the word "vampire" is a real plus for some inexplicable reason. As you've both mentioned, Bill Paxton makes for a delicious villain as Severen. Let me also give big ups to the rest of the cast of Aliens, Lance Henriksen and Jeanette Goldstein. They were all three wonderful characters and, despite them being so evil, I found myself rooting for them in this story.

The movie also gets a plus-one to its score from me just for having Tim Thomerson in it. I so adore that man and he had the best line; "Normal folks they don't spit out bullets when ya shoot 'em. No sir!" 

The movie has its problems, sure, but I love its atmosphere and cinematography and, yes, I love the music too. Like you've both said it really does hold up pretty well even 30 years on.


I can only conclude I'm paying off karma at a vastly accelerated rate.

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