MovieChat Forums > Vampirella (1997) Discussion > one of my most favourite movies

one of my most favourite movies

posted 18 years ago by andrewshor
14 replies | jump to latest

I know Vampirella is very silly from start to finish. I know the special effects are about 20-30 years out of date. I know the plot is very predictable and the lines are cheesy. Nonetheless this movie was great fun and after I finished watching it I immediately wanted more. So when I looked on the internet I was surprised that many people didn't like it. It's a movie about about a vampire girl who fights other vampires in a skimpy costume, what did you people expect when you picked it up? Maybe it's because most modern movies are very serious, logical and high-budget that Vampirella can't be appreciated. I think it should just be accepted as what it is: a really, really silly movie.

IMO, the funniest moments are when Vampirella yells "Vlaaad!" (which she does several times in the movie for no apparent reason) and when she turns into a bat. Near the beginning of the movie, the vampire hunters are looking at the photograph of Vampirella flying out of the space shuttle as a bat and discussing whether it's a vampire bat or just a black smudge on the camera. Later when Vampirella turns into a bat and flies away you can clearly see that it actually is a smudge on the camera! Hilarious.

[–] kester_pelagius 18 years ago

Howdy,

I'm surprised no one has answered this. Guess that leaves it up to me.

I'll try to be gentle.

I know Vampirella is very silly from start to finish. I know the special effects are about 20-30 years out of date. I know the plot is very predictable and the lines are cheesy. Nonetheless this movie was great fun and after I finished watching it I immediately wanted more. So when I looked on the internet I was surprised that many people didn't like it. It's a movie about about a vampire girl who fights other vampires in a skimpy costume, what did you people expect when you picked it up?

If I had to guess I'd say they probably expected to see Vampirella.

You see there is this comic book that's been around for years, decades even. It's developed quite the following. I'm surprised you've never heard of it, then again it is rather 'adult' oriented so perhaps you aren't allowed in that section of the comic store yet? Anyway that comic book is called, funnily enough, Vampirella.

You should pick up a couple issues sometime.

Maybe it's because most modern movies are very serious, logical and high-budget that Vampirella can't be appreciated. I think it should just be accepted as what it is: a really, really silly movie.

No Vampirella is reviled because it has about as much to do with the comic book as the Damnation Alley movie has to do with Roger Zelazny's novel. Which is to say nada, nothing, zilch, zippo, null and void.

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[–] andrewshor 18 years ago

I knew about the comics before I watched the movie, although I never read an issue. I looked it up on Wikipedia and several other places on the web for information. I didn't like what I read. First Vampirella is an alien from the planet Drakulon, then she's actually from hell and is the daughter of Lilith who's supposed to earn her mother's redemption, then we find out that everything was a lie and Lilith wanted Vampirella to kill the other vampires so she would get power and eventually take over the world.

I don't like it when they change a character's origin just for the sake of doing something new. I think the idea of vampires from another planet is kinda cool even if the planet's name is cheesy. But I don't understand the idea of vampires coming from hell. Is this the same hell that the spirits of bad people go to when they die? If so, then hell is a spirit place rather than a physical place so if vampires come from there, how could they have a physical form on Earth?

Lilith is a character from an alternate version of the biblical Genesis story, where she was Adam's first wife and was sent to hell because she defied God. I'm sorry if you're a creationist, but the story of Genesis makes no sense to me as I can't understand how Earth's population could be descended from just two humans or why Lilith was punished so severely when lots of people who defy God these days get away with it. If this story is included in a series like Vampirella then it ruins my suspension of disbelief.

Just because I have a different taste in movies than you do doesn't mean I'm immature. I'm 19 years old. I don't know how adult-oriented the comics are compared to the movie but I do know that the comics-version of the character where's a costume that's even more ridiculous-looking than the movie version. I find it hard to believe that this could be a serious comic series but perhaps I will pick up an issue some day.

[–] kester_pelagius 18 years ago

andrewshor,

Howdy. Ready for some more fun?

*sharpens pointy stick*

I knew about the comics before I watched the movie, although I never read an issue. I looked it up on Wikipedia and several other places on the web for information. I didn't like what I read. First Vampirella is an alien from the planet Drakulon, then she's actually from hell and is the daughter of Lilith who's supposed to earn her mother's redemption, then we find out that everything was a lie and Lilith wanted Vampirella to kill the other vampires so she would get power and eventually take over the world.

Before anything else you should probably be aware that even fans of Vampirella have problems with some of what Marvel has done with it.

And we all know what sticklers for continuity Marvel is*, right? <- Sarcasm.

To be serious for a moment here's some pretty nice info on the comic for you: http://groovyageofhorror.blogspot.com/2006_05_07_groovyageofhorror_archive.html

(*) It's actually been years and years since I've read comics but I somehow doubt they've gotten any better.

I don't like it when they change a character's origin just for the sake of doing something new. I think the idea of vampires from another planet is kinda cool even if the planet's name is cheesy. But I don't understand the idea of vampires coming from hell. Is this the same hell that the spirits of bad people go to when they die? If so, then hell is a spirit place rather than a physical place so if vampires come from there, how could they have a physical form on Earth?

It's a Marvel comic. You're supposed to check your sense of logic at the door and do your best to ignore the gaffes in continuity that spring up due to lame cross over stories that are little more than an blatant attempt to generate sales for new characters/comic lines. Speaking of which I've heard Marvel's been introducing new heroes that are gay and lesbian, or should I say targeting the gay and lesbian community with heroes mean to appeal to them. . .

How's that working out?

Lilith is a character from an alternate version of the biblical Genesis story, where she was Adam's first wife and was sent to hell because she defied God. I'm sorry if you're a creationist, but the story of Genesis makes no sense to me as I can't understand how Earth's population could be descended from just two humans or why Lilith was punished so severely when lots of people who defy God these days get away with it. If this story is included in a series like Vampirella then it ruins my suspension of disbelief.

Well there's your problem right there. You're trying to read too much into the names of characters. Vampirella is not a para-biblical morality tale, it's a horror-fantasy comic. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

Just because I have a different taste in movies than you do doesn't mean I'm immature. I'm 19 years old. I don't know how adult-oriented the comics are compared to the movie but I do know that the comics-version of the character where's a costume that's even more ridiculous-looking than the movie version. I find it hard to believe that this could be a serious comic series but perhaps I will pick up an issue some day.

It may seem ridiculous but there are many hardcore fans out there. The series has been around for quite a long time and, for that fanbase, the movie was a massive let down.

As for "how adult-oriented" the comics were. . . that really depends on the individual. In Jr. High I had a teacher 'confiscate' a Savage Sword of Conan just because he happened to walk by when I had the book open to the one page with a single panel of a bare breasted harem girl. Guy was a zealot chain smoker nutter who insisted, without so much as actually looking at the book, that it was filthy porn. Went round and round with him after class to get it back. The guy was totally clueless. Had no idea the school library has Conan novels much less what Conan was about.

Funny how someone can get the wrong idea about something based on preconceptions, isn't it?

Do a Google image search for Vampirella, you'll find statues and all kinds of other fun stuff. As for her costume, that's really a large part of her appeal, that and how various artists have portrayed her over the years. Granted much the same can be said of Elvira or Vampira.

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[–] andrewshor 18 years ago

What the heck are you talking about? Vampirella was never a Marvel comic. It was originally published by Warren from 1969-1983, then it was published by Harris from 1991-present. It was Harris that started remaking the character's origin. As far as I can tell, Marvel never went anywhere near it. I don't buy Marvel comics because the Marvel Universe has become so bloated and complicated that it's impossible to get any true sense of continuity out of it. Especially since it's been 40 years since most of the characters began their careers but somehow only 10 years have passed and the Marvel Universe will always in a 10-year period because they refuse to change their characters.

It's not that the Vampirella comic has continuity errors, because the change in origin is explained by some kind of brainwashing, but I like the old origin and don't like the new origins. I enjoyed the movie as a bit of cheap fun, but in order to invest money and time into a comic series, I expect a degree of seriousness and plausibility from those comics. When was there ever a comic-based movie that was faithful to the original comic? If the comic is just as silly as the movie, which I'm led to believe, then what's wrong with the movie?

[–] kester_pelagius 18 years ago

What the heck are you talking about? Vampirella was never a Marvel comic. It was originally published by Warren from 1969-1983, then it was published by Harris from 1991-present.

You certain of that? My memory can misfire from time to time but didn't the Marvel group at some point, under one of their other imprints, put out some (censored) Vampirella reprints in 'zine format?

Or has it been so long I'm confusing some blatant knock-off character Marvel produced with Vampirella? That would be sad. It'd be one of those hallmarks of age, not being able to remember the simple things, like who published the comics of your youth.

*insert sound of gnashing teeth and lamentations here*

Anyone?

I don't buy Marvel comics because the Marvel Universe has become so bloated and complicated that it's impossible to get any true sense of continuity out of it.

That's as good a reason as any. For me, when I was still buying comics, it was the fact I moved on to other companies who put out better comics and graphic novels.

It's not that the Vampirella comic has continuity errors, because the change in origin is explained by some kind of brainwashing, but I like the old origin and don't like the new origins. I enjoyed the movie as a bit of cheap fun, but in order to invest money and time into a comic series, I expect a degree of seriousness and plausibility from those comics. When was there ever a comic-based movie that was faithful to the original comic?

I'm sure one of myriad incarnations of Spiderman must have. Sadly they all look incredily cheesy. There's just something about a guy in a spandex spider costume swinging on web-ropes between building that doesn't translate well to the big (or small) screen.

Then there is Superman and Batman. Now the 'updates' to Batman. . .

If the comic is just as silly as the movie, which I'm led to believe, then what's wrong with the movie?

I can only tell you what I remember and once the movie actually came out everyone who saw it was disappointed with it because the character, as portrayed on screen, didn't meet their expectations. Simply put it wasn't Vampirella.

The word of mouth was so negative that I never even bothered to rent it or for it on VHS/DVD. I eventually saw on Roger Corman's Presents Showtime series and remember my impression of it was that, even for a Corman production, it looked cheap.

Maybe I should revist it after all these years. With my failing memory who knows it may turn out i actually like it. LOL!

Been great chatting with you but now that whole Vampirella/Marvel thing is going to bug me to death until I can figure out what synapses got crossed.

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[–] azurac 17 years ago

Andrewshor is right--Marvel/Stan Lee never touched Vampirella--Warren would've put a hit on Stan if he did.

You may be thinking of a short lived Marvel character called Satana?
I believe that she was the Lilith connection that was mentioned earlier.

BTW--I just completed an online interview about my experences with Warren and Vampirella among others.
If you'd like to read it it's on Richard Arndt's website:

www.enjolrasworld.com

just scroll down a little until you see--new interview: "Angelique: the un-conventional comicon costumer"
(note:Richard Arndt's site is devoted to Warren comics and other comic related people)

I am Angelique Trouvere--former Vampirella--and let me tell you that I hated this movie because it was nothing like the comic I loved. AND they even screwed up the costume!
To all of you who think that Talia's costumes were sexy please check out the Vampirella comics--either the original Warrens or the newer Harris and you'll see what real sexy get up is all about! (and there are real live women wearing it!)
cheers!
angelique

[–] kester_pelagius 17 years ago

I am Angelique Trouvere--former Vampirella--and let me tell you that I hated this movie because it was nothing like the comic I loved. AND they even screwed up the costume!

Screwed up implies they tried to emulate it and failed. I honestly don't think much effort was put into the costuming beyond using whatever off-the-rack ready to wear cheap (*&%! they could find.

You may be thinking of a short lived Marvel character called Satana?

Anything is possible.

BTW--I just completed an online interview about my experences with Warren and Vampirella among others.

Thanks for the link. It's very informative. Sadly not all the image files loaded for me. Loved the "Drakulon Evening Wear".
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[–] scrapmetal7 14 years ago

VAMPIRELLA is a delight. An awful, poorly made delight. Roger Daltrey as a ridiculous villain vampire? Talisa Soto in a little patent leather skimpy outfit? I could care less how the script is, or how much it follows a randomly produced comicbook with zero continuity. The draws are undeniable. If you love bad film, this is a must.

[–] ImmortlDragynSaint 17 years ago

Bottom line, I thought this movie was hilarious as hell. I watch it over and over again just for that reason. I know it was an awesome comic book, but I can't help it, lol.

Your T-Shirt says "Princess" but your face says *TROLL*

[–] sd619rules 17 years ago

I agree-funny as hell, but for the wronf reasons....well.....Talisa Soto in that skimpy outfit does make it much easier to watch.....

[–] Chase_In_Sturgis 16 years ago

Just watched this for the first (LAST AND ONLY) time tonight. My buddy and I decided to rent a marathon of BAD comic book adaptations (don't ask me why, but we did). This was the first we watched (he'd seen it I hadn't), the second will be Catwoman (which I've seen and he hasn't)...after that in some order: Swamp Thing, Return of Swamp Thing, Barb Wire, Crow: Wicked Prayer, Tank Girl and Judge Dredd- the list would have included Doctor Strange (1978) and Nick Fury in place of a couple of them but NetFlix didn't have them.

Anyway, this movie is a joke! It hurt my brain to watch it and that is saying a lot. I can't say I'm a fan of the comic (only read a few issues). I will say the costume SUCKED!!! I've met at least one of the Vampirella's at a con-can't remember if she was one of the official models, hell it could have been Angelique Trouvere for all I remember-and they wore a faithful costume to the character and she was MUCH, MUCH sexier!!!

Wish us luck on the rest of our marathon...up next bad video game movies (in no particular order: Super Mario Bros., Mortal Kombat:Annihilation-another film with Talisa Soto woo-hoo, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Doom, Street Fighter, BloodRayne 2: Deliverience, Alone in the Dark, House of the Dead-I know it is cheating to use three Uwe Boll movies, but we couldn't think of any others)!!!

Guess we just enjoy pain...

"You're far too sensitive sometimes", Hunter
"Fu Q", Chase

[–] Pilot1978 10 years ago

I've never seen the movie, but from the clips I've seen it seems on par with most late 80's and 90's super hero-themed type of movies, that is, below par from an actual good movie.

Script that doesn't match any comics to fit ridiculous low budget. Check
B-grade actors and one somewhat popular actor. Check
Bad dialogue due to terrible direction. Check
Out of date special effects. Check

This movie was filmed at my high school and I and some of my classmates got lucky enough to watch part of the filmmaking process for a night. The fight scene in the "lab", where one of the guys falls out the window was the scene filmed that night. From a filmmaking aspect, the movie seemed and felt very big-budget. Lots of trucks, lights, cables, people standing around. It felt cool to be around. Unfortunately, after remembering the movie and looking it up recently, the result is pretty sub-par and embarrassing.

[–] IrinaOma 10 years ago

I love this film very much. Talisa Soto looks so beautiful here

[–] rtlh1982 7 years ago

You would think that this would be a "cult classic" by now, either a staple of late, late night TV or part of a Roger Corman Film Festival. How can you be worried about the direction of the country for the next four years when a scantily-clad vampiress from outer space is fighting (sort of) Dracula on top of Hoover Dam with the fate of the world hanging in the balance?!