Embrace Of The Vampire [DVD] [1994]

Anyone approaching Embrace Of The Vampire should be clear on one thing straight away: this is not horror. This is that curious model of glossy, well-groomed softcore that would like to be known as 'Erotica' but is now more commonly known on these shores as 'Channel 5 Porn.' Given that the cover of this edition bears a recommendation from that cornerstone of British journalism, The Sport, its quite clear to whom the distributors expect this disc to appeal. And I won't lie: I'm a big fan of Charmed, and my main impetus behind buying this was to see the fabulous Ms Milano in states of undress. And, as such, this film was in no way a disappointment. Voyeuristic naughty boys like myself should be more than satisfied by the ammount of Alyssa on display here.

Interesting to note, however, that while this is most likely to be of interest to horny men, the writers and director of this film are in fact women. Clearly this is intended to be a provocative exploration into burgeoning female sexuality, as Alyssa's Catholic virgin falls deeper into desire under the dreamlike influence of Kemp's Vampire, who believes she is his lost love from his mortal days reincarnated. But it's no surprise that the scenarios and character developments are more than a little on the unconvincing side. It doesn't help matters that Kemp is so terribly miscast: his vocal mannersims are clumsy, his performance misjudged, his wardrobe frankly perplexing (now we know where Spike from Buffy got his look...).

Even so, it is refreshing to see a vampire movie that doesn't lapse into another apocalyptic battle scenario, and deals soley with the sexual side of the mythology. But all in all the greatest amusement comes from the frequent, unabashed use of trashy romance novel melodramatics. Behold how Alyssa's flowing white gown blows in the breeze as she walks (chest first) in a trance under the full moon; laugh loudly as the exposure of her breasts is accompanied by a gasp and a sudden surge in the music. Few people will admit to liking this sort of thing in public, myself included; but hey, so long as it's behind closed doors and between consenting adults, there's no one standing in judgement here.

Martain Kemp plays a vampire who will die at midnight if his love does not say she'll be with him. So he is trying to seduce her throughout the film.
But she is a goody virgin with a long-term relationship with her boyfriend. Who will she chose between her safe boyfriend, and her nightime, dangerous lover???

A good film to see, lots of hot passion!!!!!

Terrible terrible terrible. If you've got a great thing to see milano's flesh, then you "might" enjoy this on some depraved level - but don't expect a film you can watch without feeling uncomfortable. Certainly not a film to watch with a partner - unless you really do find this lame "naughtiness" a turn on.

If you want Vampires, watch Interview with the Vampire, Blade, Blade two, even Queen of the Damned (this film makes QoD look like a very slick Hollywood epic masterpiece). If you want soft porn, watch Boogie Nights, Basic Instinct, or some other, not so grubby feeling film with at least a bit of depth in character. If you just want to see flesh, buy some trashy harder porn, or go to a strip club.