In the northernmost town in the United States, Barrow, Alaska, a 30-day dark period is experienced every year. Though most of the town's residents head south for the winter, some townspeople remain behind, choosing to bear the cold and the dark. However, those that have chosen to stay behind this year regret their decision when a band of hungry vampires descend on the small town to feed. Now it is up to Sheriff Eben (Josh Hartnett), his separated wife (Melissa George) and a dwindling group of survivors who must work together to last until the 30 days are up and dawn breaks over the once peaceful town.
30 Days of Night kicks off the Halloween season with a bang as it brings together a high death count, major action and gore, and some priceless corny lines, resulting in a film that will please even the die hard horror fans.
The film starts out fast and hard as, within minutes of the opening credits, the first life is taken. From there the movie grows in intensity as the vampires take over while the citizens of the small town run around in confusion and hysteria.
The film is gruesome and violent, as director David Slade preserves the original art from the comic book by Ben Templesmith. We go from seeing a man beheaded in one swing to a young girl torn to shreds by a group of flesh hungry vampires to the beheading of a young girl, no older than six, by an axe. Nothing is held back, and to an extent, this is what gives the film its niche.
As in all horror films, the acting was sub par to say the least. Josh Hartnett did all right as the "˜save the day' sheriff, Eben, and his partner, played by Melissa George, stuck right there beside him. Both worked fine together, however neither could deliver a line correctly. Everything came out sounding overdone and ridiculously corny, but then again, that is what makes a horror movie so damn good.
What really set the film apart was its cinematography. The overhead shots of a town covered in snow and blood were amazing. Seeing the perfect white picture mixed with the off beat red blotches creates an attitude that really send chills up your spine. Slade did his part and helped craft a B-rated film into an amazing feature.
In the end, 30 Days of Night wasn't bad. In fact, it was pretty damn good. I had never really seen a "˜vampire' film before, and this was a good one to start with. The story line was intense and creative, camera shots were dead on, and the acting was typical of the genre. If you like horror films, you shouldn't miss this one.
