Main Cast: Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, Rutger Hauer, Paul Reubens, Luke Perry
Release Year: 1992
Country: US
Run Time: 98 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG13
Plot
The idea of fusing teen sex-comedy and horror genres into a boffo box-office bonanza seems like classic braindead Hollywood-think... but somehow, beyond all reason, the makers of this film manage to pull it off. Much of the credit goes to director Fran Rubel Kuzui (Tokyo Pop) who chooses wisely to let the jokes and action rip by so quickly that viewers won't have time to realize there's practically nothing going on. Also excellent is Kristy Swanson as the bubble-headed cheerleader who learns from a Van Helsing-ish stranger (Donald Sutherland) that she's, like, the reincarnation of this pure female warrior and stuff, destined to rid the world -- or at least the Valley -- of vampires. No sooner is the Buffster being schooled in the ways of vampire butt-kicking (much to the consternation of meek pretty-boy beau Luke Perry) than the lead vampire (Rutger Hauer) and his leering cronies show up -- and leading up the pack is none other than Pee-Wee Herman himself, Paul Reubens. Fans of this film's popular TV offspring will appreciate the fang-sharp humor but may be surprised to find little evidence of the spooky atmosphere that permeates the series -- though there are some inspired moments, particularly the ridiculous death-by-ruler scene. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
Review
Unfairly maligned upon initial release (what exactly could critics and viewers expect from a film titled Buffy the Vampire Slayer?) and relegated to a curiosity in light of its admittedly more effective television counterpart, this lightweight and ultimately forgettable early effort from Joss Whedon may not leave any lasting impression on audiences, though it remains an entertaining diversion if nothing else. Notably lighter in tone than the series that followed, the feature version of the popular small-screen stalwart may not offer the deft blend of drama, suspense, and character depth of the series version, though a solid cast and some decidedly over-the-top performances offer an entertaining comic variation on the story. The key factor in enjoying this film is not viewing it in comparison to the television series. Viewed as a precursor to such subsequent self-referential efforts as Scream (1996) and outright horror comedies as Scary Movie (2000), Buffy the Vampire Slayer offers a decidedly less menacing and raunchy spoof of teen films and the vampire mythos. Though its target may not be as specifically defined as those efforts, it shouldn't be altogether dismissed as an unfocused mess either. By no means will Buffy the Vampire Slayer ever be considered either a "good movie" or a truly effective skewering of the genre mainstays or typical high school stereotypes, though forgiving viewers who are willing to judge it on its own merits will ultimately find this easygoing romp a passable 86 minutes of entertainment. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Michele Abrams - Jennifer; Hilary Swank - Kimberly; Paris Vaughan - Nicole; David Arquette - Benny; Randall Batinkoff - Jeffrey; Candy Clark - Buffy's Mom; Andrew Lowery - Andy; Sasha Jenson - Grueller; Stephen Root - Gary Murray; Natasha Gregson Wagner - Cassandra; Mark de Carlo - Coach; Ben Affleck - Basketball Player; Chino Binamo - Vampire; Al Goto - Vampire; Michael Kopelow - Student; Ricki Lake - Charlotte (uncredited); Paul Lane - Robert Berman; Chi Muoi Lo - Vampire; Rick Logan - Bloody Student; James Paradise - Buffy's Dad; David Sherrill - Knight; Ben R. Scott - Vampire; Terry Jackson - Vampire; Sharon Schaffer - Vampire; Lincoln Simonds - Vampire; Johanna Ray; Mike Johnson - Vampire; Tony Maxwell - Student; Kurtis Epper Sanders; Thomas Jane - Zeph; Liz Smith - Reporter
Credit
James R. Barrows - Art Director, Randy Moore - Art Director, Johanna Ray - Casting, Dennis Murphy - Co-producer, Marie France - Costume Designer, Fran Rubel Kuzui - Director, Jill Savitt - Editor, Camilla Toniolo - Editor, Carol Baum - Executive Producer, Sandy Gallin - Executive Producer, Fran Rubel Kuzui - Executive Producer, Rob Halford - Composer (Music Score), Carter Burwell - Composer (Music Score), Lawrence Miller - Production Designer, James Hayman - Cinematographer, Kaz Kuzui - Producer, Zvi Howard Rosenman - Producer, Claire Jenora Bowin - Set Designer, Steve Aaron - Sound/Sound Designer, Terry J. Leonard - Stunts, Joss Whedon - Screenwriter, J.J. George - Music Editor
Buffy (Kristy Swanson) is a stereotypical cheerleader at Hemery High School in Los Angeles. She is a carefree popular girl whose main concerns are shopping and spending time with her friends. While at school one day, she is approached by a man named Merrick Jamison-Smythe (Donald Sutherland). He informs her that she is The Slayer, or chosen one, and he is a Watcher whose duty it is to guide and train her. She initially refuses to believe his claims, but becomes convinced when he is able to describe a recurring dream of hers in great detail. Over the course of her training she becomes friends with Oliver Pike (Luke Perry), whose best friend has recently become a vampire. Oliver becomes the male equivalent of the traditional "damsel in distress", being rescued by Buffy on several occasions.
After several successful outings, Buffy is drawn into conflict with a local vampire king named Lothos (Rutger Hauer), who has killed a number of past Slayers. Lothos eventually kills Merrick as well, giving her the motivation she needs to face him in battle. They eventually clash during the middle of the senior dance at Buffy's high school. Through the use of her own unconventional methods, she is able to defeat Lothos and his minions.
Many of the details given in the film differ from the continuity of the later television series. For example, Buffy's history is dissimilar, and both the vampires' and Slayer's abilities are depicted differently. Joss Whedon has also expressed his disapproval with the movie's interpretation of the script[3], stating, "I finally sat down and had written it and somebody had made it into a movie, and I felt like -- well, that's not quite her. It's a start, but it's not quite the girl."[4]
VHS and DVD releases
The film was released on VHS in the U.S. in 1992 from Fox Video and re-released in 1995 under the "Twentieth Century Fox Selections" banner from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. It was released on DVD in the U.S. in 2001.
Soundtrack
The cover of the soundtrack of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The soundtrack does not include every song played in the film. Lothos plays the theme from the 2nd part of Schumann's Piano Quintet Es-dur op. 44, and Buffy sings "Feelings" while on one of her early hunts. Other songs not on the soundtrack album include "In The Wind" by War Babies and "Inner Mind" by Eon.
Remake
On May 25, 2009, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Roy Lee and Doug Davison of Vertigo Entertainment were working with Fran Rubel Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui on a re-envisioning or relaunch of the Buffy movie for the big screen. The movie would not be a sequel or prequel to the existing movie or television franchise and Joss Whedon would have no involvement in the project. None of the cast or characters from the television series would be featured. [5]
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