Bloodlust: Subspecies III

Just edges out S2 as my favorite in this hugely entertaining vampire series, mostly on the strength of Anders Hove and Denise Duff's performances. Same basic plot: Rebecca and her Fearless Vampire Stalkers continue where they left off, in pursuit of her sister Michelle, Radu, and the Bloodstone; while Radu tries futilely to gain the love and loyalty of his adamantly defiant "fledgling", Michelle.

Hove has completely sounded the depths of Radu's character and his portrayal of this tragic monster is poignant and heartfelt. Unable to command his headstrong protégé's fealty to the master she refuses to acknowledge, unable to win her heart with gifts or intimate displays of trust, Radu's despair is utterly human, yet he never turns on her. Despite his constant praise of pain and suffering, his deathly face conceals a heart capable of loyal and true love.

As for Denise Duff as Michelle, she is probably the coolest vampiress EVER, and if it not for Radu would no-doubt be the star of this series. The Subspecies movies deserve acclaim for their strong female characters, and Michelle is the toughest, a determinedly human woman who resists becoming a vampire with every fiber of her strength and will. At the same time, we see her grow in undead power and skill, and realize that if she keeps control of the Bloodstone - with which she can resist the need to kill - she'll become an immortal to reckon with. Her scenes with Radu are really something to see, as the two vampires match wills eye-to-eye again and again, and she forces Radu to blink every time.

Their story is truly "Beauty and the Beast" without the happy ending, and indeed it's hard not to think of that classic story in the sequence where Michelle begs to see her sister just one last time. Like the Beast, Radu is unwilling to let his "pretty one" go, but gives his permission, hoping to prove his love by a gesture of faith in her; and just as in the fairy tale, his hopeful gesture has sad consequences. The look on his face as she sweeps past him while he pleads for her devotion could bring a tougher fan than me to tears. --These are some of the best characterizations in modern vampire film, and among the very few that I really care about.

Once you see this you will NEED to see #4!

Still in the thrall of the evil vampire Radu (Anders Hove), Michelle yearns to be taught the skills of the vampire. Meanwhile, her sister Becky tries to free her from his evil clutches, and this time, she has brought some help.

Shot back to back with part two, the "Subspecies" series is one of the better things to come out of Full Moon. Maybe it had creative independence, or maybe the budget was better in that era. I am not sure. But we haven't seen anything this good from Full Moon in a long time.

Others have commented that, despite the low budget, the film is a lot of fun because it doesn't take itself too seriously. That's true. But also, this is legitimately good -- good acting, and amazing makeup. The plot may be a bit silly as it moves into part three (and just wait for part four!) but you have to expect a bit of deterioration with sequels.

Continuing directly after the major cliffhanger of the previous film (well after a short recap of the aforementioned movie at least) Subspecies 3 jumps right back into the thick of it. With Rebecca trying to save her beloved sister/recent vampire Michelle from evil vampire Radu and his witch of a mother.

While there are parts of the film that I really enjoyed, this third film as a whole is a bit too padded and i believe that it would've been better served (artistically if not financially) by trimming it down and combining the footage left with part 2 to make a much better film. As it is, the film was OK, it just could've been such better.

Eye Candy: Elvira Deatcu gets briefly topless and Melanie Shatner provides T&A

Conclusion to the planned trilogy directed by Ted Nicolaou this third film ends rather openly suggesting that Full Moon Productions were already sizing up future instalments. This time Radu kidnaps Michelle and takes her to the castle that he shares with his mother, a Sorceress. He teaches her to master her vampire powers, willing to sacrifice everything to empower his true love when Michelle's sister Rebecca attacks his stronghold.

The trilogy is weakening here with little original storyline and little excitement. However the series still - at this point - remains highly unique and still fantastically riveting. Once again the acting is of a high standard, the Romanian locations breathtaking and the script, score and direction, even in this 'weaker hour' surpass many larger budget films. Stable stuff.

Poor Radu. He's been stabbed and staked by his fledgling Michelle and her sister Becky and left for dead in the bottom of a dusty crypt in a Bucharest cemetery. But Radu's mummy comes to the rescue, recapturing Michelle almost instantly and healing her much abused son before the next moon rises. Upon awakening, Michelle is horrified to realize that Radu is not dead, nor has he released his hold on her. The bizarre threesome flee the cemetery and head back to Castle Vladislas. Michelle, disgusted by her vampiric urges, nevertheless demands that Radu show her the ropes. Radu, pathetically in love with the beautiful Michelle, alternatively tries to win her affections and force her into submission. Mummy resents the new fledgling and urges her son to destroy her. And Becky has not yet given up on the idea of a rescue, and she's brought plenty of back up this time.

This third entry in the Subspecies series is every bit as fun as the first two, allowing its cast of characters to grow and evolve. Anders Hove as Radu becomes an object of pity here, revealing Radu not as evil incarnate, but as a lonely, miserable wretch who has never been loved...not even by his mummy. Michelle's continued rejection of her hideous Master is heartbreaking to watch. Time and again she professes her hatred for Radu, and Radu accepts it in silence and takes her back without a word against her, protecting her no matter what the cost. His love for her is genuinely pathetic and one can't help but feel some pity for him at last. Denise Duff as Michelle is very good once again, expressing sorrow and pain but also satisfaction and enthusiasm in her new found powers. Highlights include an emotional scene between Radu and Michelle atop the battlements of Castle Vladislas, and a brief but very funny sequence involving Becky, Radu and a gun loaded with silver bullets.

Fans of the first two should not miss this third installment. Followed by a fourth film (Bloodstorm: Subspecies 4) which, sadly, is nowhere near as good as the first three Subspecies films.