Blade II (2002)

Whenever a fight in Blade II gets too big for real stunt work, Wesley Snipes turns into a rubbery digital double that looks like a video game cutscene from the same year. It happens a lot. The rest is Guillermo del Toro having the time of his life. The Reapers are the big idea: a new breed that hunts vampires and humans alike, with faces that open up in ways nobody asked for. Luke Goss plays their leader Nomak with real sadness, so the villain feels more wounded than evil. The Bloodpack, a squad of vampires trained to hunt Blade, is a great setup that mostly turns into a lineup of extras, with one exception: Ron Perlman, who growls every line like he’s been personally insulted. Norman Reedus plays Scud as a jittery, chatty weapons tech. Snipes is still pure cool. It made $155 million worldwide on a reported $54M. A 6.7 because the monsters are top tier and the effects aged fast. $390.78 says you squint at the next guy wearing sunglasses indoors and quietly check his teeth.

What works: The Reapers are a great creature design, and Ron Perlman and Luke Goss give the sequel real personality beyond Snipes.

What doesn’t: The digital stunt doubles in the big fights look rubbery and fake, and most of the Bloodpack never get a single trait.

Who it’s for: Fans of gothic action and creature features who want their vampire hunter cool, quiet and well equipped.