Iffy for 16+
Very-bloody vampire movie lacks bite. No kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this vampire horror movie (which was based on a graphic novel) isn't for kids. While the themes aren't especially sophisticated, the imagery is very bloody, with bodies getting torn, beaten, chewed, and graphically abused. Children are in danger and killed (one is a bloody-mouthed vampire who's eventually slain by an adolescent boy), and there are explosions, car crashes, shootings, foot chases, and lots of tense scenes. Language includes several uses of "f--k" and other profanity, there's some drinking, and a grandmother grows medicinal marijuana.
- Families can talk about the continuing appeal of vampire stories. How does this movie compare to other vampire movies and TV shows you've seen? Parents and kids can also discuss the way that families are presented in the movie. Why do the characters who are part of families do some of the violent things they do?
What to watch for
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Violence: Gory displays of vampirism throughout: They chomp on their victims, chew their necks, and suck their blood. They also beat, kick, and throw themselves on prey and vehicles. Humans use multiple weapons, including a sunlamp, fires, guns, axes, and vehicles. An early car crash is abrupt and loud. Dead dogs are ravaged and bloody -- a precursor to the discovery of human bodies that are mauled, gnawed, and very bloody. Attacks are chaotic (fast cuts and close-ups), with groaning and growling sounds. Shooting leaves vampires with limbs and heads blown away.
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Sex: Gruesome "sexual" play between male and female vampire (they hiss at each other and bare their teeth, the woman pawing at her torso in a demonstration of passion). Earnest declarations of love between protagonists.
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Language: Profanity includes several uses of "f--k" and lots of "s--t"s (once with "head"), as well as "damn," "hell," and "bitch."
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Consumerism: Repeated shots of Chevrolet truck logos, references to Oreos and Snapple.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink and refer to whiskey and vodka. A grandmother grows marijuana to soothe her cancer (a baggie appears in a desk drawer, and plants are shown in her house). Someone thinks a vampire is a human "coked up on PCP."
Fan Reviews provided by
2
One Bloody Mess. by Daydream
Based on the graphic novel by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith, 30 Days of Night had the potential to influence the vampire genre. The movie is set in Barrow, Alaska, a small town where once a year the sun doesn?t rise for a solid month...an essential vampire haven. The ?new? vampires were not impressive, screeching like pterodactyls and speaking a foreign language that seemed pointless and unnecessary. Sucking blood is no longer enough for these vampires; they literally eat the necks of their victims. This movie is full of gory violence and is one bloody mess. I was thoroughly disappointed with this movie and would not recommend it. This is a DVD rental at best, but even that is a stretch.
1
Like the vampires it portrays, this film sucks. by forloveoffilm
The premise for this project is promising and original. Sadly, that was the only original promise this film presents. Most, if not all of the set-ups are hackneyed clichés which have been used for over 100 years. While there are scenes of comic book violence, there is no suspense. Even the brutality is castrated due to the shaky camera during the attack scenes which is the same style as BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER (which was boring by the time the series ended nearly 10 years ago). The only performance which rang of truth was Min Windle, who only has one scene but gave this picture its only true note. The plot holes are so large that icebreakers could fit in them. The resolution is grainy, rendering no depth, leaving the audience as flat as the images on the screen. The ending is a total cop-out - in every sense of the term. Recommended only for the true completest who desires to see ever vampire movie ever made.
3
Disappointed by doktor
Was expecting a lot and was disappointed. Went to a studio preview and the under 20 crowd loved it but the over 30 crowed (me included) were laughing at moments that weren't intended to be funny.
Its not scary. You do jump a few times when something flashes on the screen and the sound blares, but the same effect can be had w/ an air horn.
The vampires are more corny than frightening and none of the characters engenders any sympathy or connection with the audience - you don't care if they die.
There are also a lot of glaring technical holes, e.g. if you cut the power in a town, why are lights on in some places and why is the town lit as if by spotlights outside in the 'darkness"?
On a personal note - I lived in Barrow, Alaska. Don't believe ANYTHING in the movie. They didn't even TRY to get anything right. Pity, it wouldn't have taken much and would have made for a better movie to get some things right.
5
IT WAS AWESOME! by stormy waters
I went to a special sneak preview of this movie and umm... it was really cool. For the people who are to scared to go, I have to say it wasn't that scary, it was just REALLY gory and violent. This was an action packed movie that is worth the price of an admission.
5
Excellent Movie! by SouthSide71st
I didnt believe a scary movie could be made in this day in age but David Slade pulled it off with perfection. This movie was just right not to long or short, and then to top it all off had a great ending. Usually movies like this are just ok with an ok ending but this one took the cake. If you have been craving a real scary movie in the last fifteen years this should give you your fill!
5
Best Vampire Movie in Years by prescrobot
This movie really surprised me - in a good way. My girlfriend wanted to go see it and i went just to make her happy. Personally i think good vampire movies are hard to come by and i am always skeptical. but this one really surprised me, there is almost no cheesiness. the vampires are cool, the violence is brutal and vivid, and they don't waste (much) time on romance. the only thing i had a complaint about was the ending, but honestly it wasn't a "bad" ending, it just wasn't on par with the rest of the movie. if you are a fan of the lost boys i would highly recommend this one.
5
FINALLY by THE APE
A movie that's not afraid to be a different. While most studios releasing domestic horror films have been relying on remakes, torture, bad acting, and awful CG, this one has a unique premise delivered in a very brutal and stylistic way. A complete breath of fresh air for a horror fan.
5
Great adaption of the Graphic Novel. by the_chris
Very good movie, If you're a big fan of the 30 days of night comicbooks like I am, you won't be disappointed. Seeing the ending come to life on the big screen by itself, made it worth seeing this movie. They changed a few things from the book, but nothing really major that would hurt the story. For example, Vincente' is not in the movie, marlowe ( the vamp leading the pack ) basically merged the two roles. I really hope they choose to do a second and a third sequel, because they still have two great books left to work from. The continuation of 30 days of night goes on with 30 days of night : dark days, and the 3rd is 30 day of night : return to barrow. All written by the creators, and all very good. Even if you're not a fan of the comicbook, I strongly suggest you check this movie out, you won't be disappointed. And if you are one of the people who haven't read any of the books, read them. It only gets better.
2
Great Opening Weak tail end and ending by Sobersteve
The idea was so great for this type of move and then it just fades away to gore. I did not understand how they could be so strong at the start, then feed alot and then are weak. Were they tired like on Thanksgiving. Lame.
4
Very good movie by Griot
I had my doubts about this one. I figured that the vampire story has been told so many times that I knew what to expect. I was wrong. This movie was strangely un-nerving. Perhaps it was the setting which was reminiscent of Carpenter's "The Thing" was kept me on edge.
A horror movie is only as good as its villains. Well, the vampires themselves (who did not have traditional fangs) stole the show. The way they stalked and killed the townspeople had a very "Aliens" type of feel to it. First you did not see them, they snatched their victims from their homes and dispatched them by ripping into their throats. Very gruesome and very well done.
The film was based on the graphic novel, and other than a few things that had to be left out, this movie does the graphic novel justice. Even Josh Hartnett played a believable hero. Go see the movie. If you like vampire movies this one will not disappoint you.