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Buffy the Vampire Slayer

© Anne Graves

Buffy the Vampire Slayerarrived in theatres in 1992, five years before appearing on the WB as a TV series. There are people who really hated this movie, and many critics were certainly not kind, though Leonard Maltin called it a "cute variation on vampire sagas" in a recent edition of his Movie & Video Guide.

I saw the movie in theatres when it first came out, so I don't know what the response would be from loyal fans of the show who have never seen it. Most people will admit, however, that a character the likes of Buffy was a necessary addition to the vampire (and horror) movie scene.

A quick summary for those who know nothing about this hip slayer....

Buffy Summers is a seemingly typical American teenager. She goes to high school, hangs out with her friends and practices her cheerleading. Then she meets Merrick. He tells her that she is the Chosen One, the Slayer who is destined to fight against the supernatural world.

Buffy finds this a little farfetched, but she eventually comes to believe in Merrick. He helps her train for her ultimate battle with Lothos, an old and powerful vampire.

In the movie, Kirsty Swanson played Buffy. While I prefer Sarah Michelle Gellar's portrayal of Buffy--I think Gellar shows the different sides of Buffy with greater ability--I always thought Swanson had a better physical presence. She seemed much more solid, and had better ability to kick butt than Gellar's Buffy.

Why see the movie version? A couple reasons.

First, to see Paul Reubens, the former Pee Wee Herman, as a vampire. Not only is he physically transformed in the role (gone are those too-short grey pants and awkward fitting jacket), but he is funny. His dying scene is in my top five of favorite humorous scenes in vampire movies.

Second, to see Donald Sutherland as Merrick. I think Sutherland was cast perfectly in the role as this trainer who has to deal with an air-head cheerleader and help her to transform into the being that will help save humankind from the monsters. Merrick is a wonderful contrast to Buffy--old and wise and serious--and Sutherland is wonderful in the role.

Third, you get to see the events that led up to her moving to Sunnydale (and television).

One more thing (for those of you who love to spot cameos): look for Ben Affleck as a high school basketball player--even he turns vampire....

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