Let's get this straight - this film is not big, funny, or particularly clever. In any respect. However, that said, there is a good chance that you might enjoy it anyway.
It suffers from the curse of many horror sequels - that of having to cast off any intelligence and innovation the original film may have by repeating the formula with better special effects supervisors than script writers.
The outdated 'stop the spreading menace before it's too late' cliche is poorly used and feels out of place, as do many elements of the film from the computer nerd, to the team of vampire mercenaries. The traditional mainstays of the vampire film - the sultry temptress, the evil overlord bathing in blood in his old stone mansion - which the first film trampled with contempt are shamelessly propounded here.
The gore, whilst not particularly shocking, falls squarely into the 'gratuitous' category, with the puzzling appearance of a mid-film autopsy of one of the new breed rating as one of the most gruesome, ridiculous and highly unnecessary scenes ever to feature in a horror film.
It is particularly difficult to find favour with any of the characters, who are for the main part grossly overplayed, although you might respect the valiant effort of Leonor Varela to invest her part as the love interest and daughter of the conniving overlord with some dignity and credibility.
The film is a hash, borrowing mainly from the action genre, without success. It deserves its three stars, although perhaps not your hard-earned money, by virtue of the beautiful visual effects and heart-pounding action sequences. The ninja-style fight sequences easily rival those of The Matrix - I would argue that they far exceed them - the camera work is flawless, and every scene is highly atmospheric. It is a real shame that it doesn't excuse the film's other flaws, although it nearly carries the plot on its own.
The key to this purchase is to know what to expect - if a blood-drenched rehash of action movie cliches with the addition of the odd vampire or two is what you are looking for, then you will be far from disappointed by the presentation. Unfortunately, this film will always falter by comparison to the original Blade.