Two opposing vampire factions fight for supremacy in Thailand. The ruthless Niran clan wants to feast on human blood while the benign Song Neng group wish to peacefully exist with man. American tourist and karate expert Connor (a pretty wooden, but still likable performance by Colin Egglesfield) must enlist the assistance of the Song Neng after the Niran abduct his girlfriend Amanda (a charming portrayal by the insanely foxy Meredith Monroe, whose incredible ample cleavage threatens to upstage everything throughout). Director Marty Weiss handles the cool premise in a flashy kinetic manner, relates the fun story at a constant brisk pace, stages the fierce bloody'n'brutal martial arts fights and lively action set pieces with fierce go-for-the-throat brio (a lengthy motorcycle chase rates as a definite exciting highlight), pulls off a few genuinely creepy moments, and makes the most out of the exotic location. The imaginative script by Andy Hurst and D.B. Farmer offers an inspired and energetic mix of horror and action elements. The capable acting from the mostly sturdy cast keeps the picture humming: Don Hetrakul makes for a marvelously smooth and wicked villain as the evil Niran, Stephanie Chao contributes a strong and moving turn as the soulful and melancholy Sang, Roger Yuan does well as the wise and benevolent Kiko, and Patrick Bauchau brings a winning dry wit to his colorful part as droll ace vampire slayer Raines. Geoffrey Hall's slick cinematography gives the film a cool stylish look. The moody and spirited score by Tim Jones hits the flavorsome spot. A nifty flick.
Review of Vampires: The Turning
