Buffy the Vampire Slayer

For fans of the hit television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," the original movie is certainly a mixed bag. The strengths of the film come from Joss Whedon's script, which takes the ...idea of the blonde bimbo being chased by the monster and reverses it so that she end's up kicking the monster's butt. The weaknesses of the film come from director Fran Rubel Kuzui, who plays the whole thing for camp, personified by Paul Reubens over the top turn as "Lefty" and his agonizingly long death scene. But if you listen past the deliver to the actual lines, you can clearly find the foundation for the Buffy character on television.

Donald Sutherland lends a certain amount of weight to the proceedings as Buffy's Watcher, but Rutger Hauer's considerable presence is lost in his campy Vampire King. What looks the most out of place is the fighting style of Kristy Swanson as Buffy, which combines martial arts with gymnastics and cheerleading, which, again, fits more into the camp style of the film. Ultimately the direction overwhelms the promise of the script and we are left with basically a one-joke film that does not get too far off the ground. But if you compare this to the pilot for the television series, you certainly get a better feel for how Joss Whedon refined his vision of the Slayer.


movie predecessor to TV show...well written but campy   May 24, 2001
15 out of 21 found this review helpful

This movie definitely qualifies as a campy classic, and the excellent TV show that it spawned is definitely worth watching. The movie itself, however, could have done better. The concept of a clueless California valley girl (living in "the lite ages") being the "chosen one" is hilarious, and Joss Whedon does not disappoint with a well written script. The cast also features some talented actors, including Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, Rutger Hauer, Luke Perry, and Paul Reubens. Kristy Swanson does an excellent job of portraying Buffy, and Donald Sutherland does not disappoint in his role as her Watcher, Merrick. However, prepare to be mildly disappointed in Rutger Hauer, who played Lothos, the head vampire. In view of past performances, his portrayal of Lothos was very dry and lacked his usual character. And Paul Reubens' portrayal of one of the vampire cronies is simply irritating by the end of the movie.

Despite those flaws, the smart and sassy script shines through with some classic comedic lines, and the action and fighting in the movie is well done and enjoyable to watch. Also, the film demonstrates Joss' initial development of the character Buffy, and fans of the TV show will appreciate how far Buffy has come since her early days.