Day 160: "I can't even remember what it's like to be human."

So at this point, in 2011, vampire films have become one of two things: highly romanticised, teen angst, emo dramas, or flat-out parodies of their former greatness.  Daybreakers goes against type here to deliver a different, exciting, and, most importantly, good vampire movie.  Set in a future where vampires have taken over the planet, Daybreakers explores the disaster that can be inherent to such a society: food supply shortages.  When the blood supply begins to run out on the vampires, the class system begins to show its ugly face, and those who are unable to feed begin to become something more dangerous, even to vampires.  A huge corporation has been investigating and researching the possibility of a "blood substitute", with horrific results.  As it turns out, the only solution to the crisis is to develop a cure for vampirism.  This movie just works on many levels and is so well written, I was surprised to find out that it did not do all that well at the box office.  I guess the public isn't ready for a return to the traditional vampire/monster.  Too bad, because Daybreakers portrays vampires as they were meant to be: bloodthirsty monsters who are not on the prowl for love or acceptance; conscience rarely enters into a vampire's decision making process, and they are better villains for it.

Ethan Hawke stars as Edward Dalton, the scientist in charge of developing the new substitute.  I am not a real fan of his past work, but he does an admirable job as the ethically challenged researcher.  Willem DaFoe plays "Elvis" Cormac, a former hunter, now "cured" of his vampirism and on a crusade to bring humanity back from the brink of extinction.  He plays Cormac so over-the-top, you can't help but to root for him.  Sam Neill is the evil (not just because he's a bloodsucker, either) corporate boss Charles Bromley.  This guy provess that you don't have to be human to be ruled by the almighty dollar.  Wow, an ironically mulit-layered vampire.

I am big fan of the classic monster movies, and this is a bit of a return to that.  I'm sick of monsters needing motivation and angst other than that they have to deal with being a monster.  A good friend of mine refers to monsters who have a motivation, the ability to, and more importantly, choose to do heroic deeds, despite all signs pointing in the opposite direction, as "Noble Monsters."  I definitely feel that Edward Dalton falls into this category.  If you're a fan of good monster movies, give it a shot.  8.25/10.

See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!