VAMPIRE BATS (2005)

VAMPIRE BATS (2005)

(Action, Adventure, Bats) [PG-13]

Note: This movie was not given an MPAA rating, but it likely would have landed a PG-13 rating. 

When I first checked this out I was surprised to see Lucy Lawless in it. This was a made-for-TV movie, but is in most circles considered an actual movie due to length and the fact that it is NOT as cheesy as a lot of what is considered “movie quality” these days. Unfortunately aside from Lucy’s performance, some decent make up work and pretty good pacing, this movie doesn’t have much to offer. Jessica Stroup (90210, TED, PROM NIGHT) also gets victimized in this one which for many would make it worth your time.

Most of the movie I was sadly kinda hoping the male lead Dylan Neal would get killed off because the guys acting in this was simply to annoying to warrant his screen time. Brett Butler attacks her role like she was still doing GRACE UNDER FIRE. Other issues I had with the story involved the fact that even though teacher to class ties can get pretty strong, going out to try and attract a bunch of killer bats with your students in tow is a horrible idea (even if they are begging you to go).

If you like “animals are out to kill us” movies then I would still probably avoid this. VAMPIRE BATS comes across and preachy in a non-campy way. I am fine with you telling me big business is dumping stuff in the river that will eventually end up in the sewer causing TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES  (because that is epic), but I am not in love with the idea that it will cause bats to suddenly start hiding out and plotting our demise. This would have only been okay if the film had been called ATTACK OF THE BLOODSUCKING NEAR SIGHTED GIANT VAMPIRE BATS FROM PLANET 14. It would have also been okay if it was an A lister drama like ERIN BROCOVICH.  

I give this movie a 3 out of 7. Not a total disaster, but not worth it for most. 

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