Blade II (2002) is an American superhero film directed by Guillermo del Toro, serving as a sequel to the 1998 film Blade.
The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer, and the film stars Wesley Snipes reprising his role as Blade, a half-vampire, half-human vampire hunter. The film also features notable performances from Kris Kristofferson as Whistler, Ron Perlman as Reinhardt, and Luke Goss as the antagonist Nomak.
The plot of Blade II follows Blade as he forms an uneasy alliance with a group of vampires known as the Bloodpack, who were originally assembled to kill him. This alliance is necessary to combat a new breed of vampires called Reapers, which pose a threat to both humans and vampires. The Reapers are immune to most vampire weaknesses and have a terrifying feeding mechanism, making them a formidable enemy. As Blade and the Bloodpack work together to defeat this new threat, they navigate internal conflicts and face the challenges of their precarious alliance.
Released on March 22, 2002, Blade II was a commercial success, grossing over $155 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $54 million. The film received mixed reviews from critics; it holds a 57% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 150 reviews, with an average rating of 6/10. The consensus notes that while the film offers more of what worked in the original, its plot and character development appear to have been neglected. On Metacritic, it has a score of 52, indicating mixed or average reviews.
Critics praised the film for its action sequences, visual style, and the performances of the cast, particularly Snipes and Perlman. Roger Ebert described Blade II as "a really rather brilliant vomitorium of viscera," highlighting its intense action and dark humor. However, some reviewers pointed out that the plot lacked depth and that character development was minimal compared to the first film.
The film's unique blend of horror and action, combined with del Toro's distinct directorial style, helped it stand out in the superhero genre. The Reapers, with their grotesque appearance and deadly abilities, are considered one of the film's most memorable elements. Blade II was followed by a third installment, Blade: Trinity, released in 2004, but Blade II remains a favorite among fans for its thrilling action and darker tone. Overall, it is regarded as a significant entry in the superhero film landscape, contributing to the evolution of comic book adaptations in cinema.