Rating of
3/4
Let's have another round!
kcvidkid - wrote on 11/10/08
Not quite as good as the previous Hammer Dracula entry, while not as wretched as the first sequel, "Taste the Blood of Dracula" is a solid entry into the series. It is, perhaps, most notable for three components which I imagine represent another shift in the style of Hammer as the Dracula movies enter their third decade.
First, director Peter Sasdy flirts with some camera set-ups that seem to typify 70's filmmaking. The angles are occasionally askew and there are some classic "trombone" zoom shots.
Second, for the first time, the female anatomy is completely exposed, no longer merely a heaving bosom above a corseted waist.
Finally, also for the first time, the scene does not change abruptly when Dracula goes in for a bite. In fact, it lingers quite long while he dines.
Unfortunately, the movie also signals what I fear will become common in Hammer's future: a cutting of corners, especially reflected in the special effects. Dracula's rebirth is pretty shabby; it has looked better in every previous sequel.
While not a liability yet, I also forsee the impending drop in quality with a continued lack of character development for the Count himself. Hammer does great with the supporting characters, but Drac is becoming a caricature. Well, maybe HE is the supporting character? He doesn't have much actual screen time.
Skin rating = 0 (out of 5). No skin, but another "Hammer Hottie" to add to the list: Anthony HIggins. (Notice that there characters are ALWAYS named "Paul"?!?)
