"Blonde, bouncy Buffy (Kristy Swanson) is your typical high school cheerleader - her goal is to 'marry Christian Slater and die' and nothing gets in her way when it's time to shop. But all that changes when a strange man (Donald Sutherland) informs her she's been chosen by fate to kill vampires. With the help of a romantic rebel (Luke Perry), Buffy is soon spending school nights protecting L.A. from Lothos, the Vampire King (Rutger Hauer), his sidekick. Lefty (Paul Reubens), and their determined gang of bloodsuckers. It's everything you'd expect from a teen queen in the Valley," according to the DVD sleeve description.
It's difficult to believe this horror spoof started Joss Whedon's great Vampire franchise. Of course, the "Buffy" series and its "Angel" spin-off are infinitely better. Now, it's fairly obvious that, despite some funny moments, the situation doesn't support the broadness they give this material, here, overall; the foundational story took on new life with a more serious tone. But, while this film is currently held in low regard when compared to its offspring, there are kernels of imagination to be found. It's also fun to Ricki Lake waiting tables, Ben Affleck (#10) on the basketball court, and confirm Hilary Swank had those lips from the start.
****** Buffy the Vampire Slayer (7/31/92) Fran Rubel Kuzui ~ Kristy Swanson, Luke Perry, Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens
It's difficult to believe this horror spoof started Joss Whedon's great Vampire franchise. Of course, the "Buffy" series and its "Angel" spin-off are infinitely better. Now, it's fairly obvious that, despite some funny moments, the situation doesn't support the broadness they give this material, here, overall; the foundational story took on new life with a more serious tone. But, while this film is currently held in low regard when compared to its offspring, there are kernels of imagination to be found. It's also fun to Ricki Lake waiting tables, Ben Affleck (#10) on the basketball court, and confirm Hilary Swank had those lips from the start.
****** Buffy the Vampire Slayer (7/31/92) Fran Rubel Kuzui ~ Kristy Swanson, Luke Perry, Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens