_Vampires_ is very '90s. If you don't know what that means, watch the movie, you'll get it.
The plot here is simple: this is a vampire movie, only we're following a team of vampire hunters.
This is much more of an action movie, rather than horror, though it does have some good vampire combustion. What the movie really feels like is a neo western.
Fans of Carpenter or action/horror will dig this - even if it is very dated.
On to the most important part here: the four main actors. Let's start with our lead, James Woods. Woods felt very out of place as the ultra-cool vampire killer. Honestly, the way he played the part makes me think Carpenter wanted Kurt Russell instead.
Moving on to Daniel Baldwin. Look, I'll not pretend any time you see the name Baldwin - save for Alec - in a movie, it's a safe bet that the movie is going to be trash. To my surprise, he did a great job. He actually walked the line of tough guy with a heart of gold and nailed it.
Next is Sheryl Lee, who is the clear stand out. Wow! If you've ever heard the saying "there are no small parts, only small actors," that is proved to be true, as she out acts everyone with what is almost a silent role. She does have dialog, but 90% of what she is doing is physical. Just amazing. I really wish the movie dealt more with her, and Baldwin's, character.
Finally, we have Thomas Ian Griffith. Oh boy. Such a terrible choice for the villain. The whole time I was watching this, I could place whence I knew him. Anyone? _Karate Kid 3_, Terry Silver. Making him the head vampire was a terrible idea; it made the movie feel cheap and silly.
Overall, the film is not too bad. If nothing else, watch it for Sheryl Lee.

Never been a big fan of this movie, and of vampires in general, but seeing it again after many years, did kind of enjoy it primarily for James Woods and to some extent Thomas Ian Griffith's over-the-top performance (and Sheryl Lee is easy on the eyes for sure). Certainly not top tier John Carpenter and the editing was a mess, but still somewhat entertaining. **3.0/5**

I killed my own father, padre. I got no trouble killing you.

Not half as bad as some reviews in 1998 made it out to be, Vampires is worth taking a peek at these days. Without the heavy weight of expectation for a return to form for John Carpenter, it proves to be a schlocky and bloody good time.

James Woods stars as a Vatican backed vampire slayer, something he does with considerable relish. But now he is up against an uber vampire in Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith), a leader with powers unbound. Daniel Baldwin and Sheryl Lee are along for the gore laden ride.

Woods is cool, with a quip on the tongue and a deadly weapon to hand, his by-play with Tim Guinee's priest provides much of the film's humour. The photography, choreography, editing and tension building are all high in quality, and while the story is weak and there's a whiff of misogyny in the mix, for a horror popcorner there's a good time to be had here. 7/10