OnceBitten

Once Bitten (1985)

So according to this movie a female vampire needs to feed on the blood of a virgin to retain her eternal youth and good looks. But what is a vampire like the Countess to do when faced with trying to find a virgin in Hollywood during the 80s? Lucky for her she finds Mark, an ice cream selling student who really wants to “do it” with his best girl Robin, who keeps putting him off. All the Countess needs to do is feed on Mark three times before Halloween and she is home free, but Robin isn’t about to give up Mark that easily. Will the Countess finish with Mark before it is too late or will Robin and his friends figure out a way to stop them first?

This movie is best known for being the first major project for a young actor named Jim Carrey, but it is much more than that. While not as funny as an R rated comedy like Porky’s or Fast Times at Ridgemont High this is still an excellent teen comedy from the 80s. There are several funny scenes, including one in a confessional that includes the memorable line, “Get yourself a shovel. You’re in deep shit.” Plus the gay butler character, Sebastian, has a reoccurring gag about coming out of the closet that always cracks me up. And how can you not like a movie that has a big dance off between the two female leads to determine the fate of Mark? The performances are interesting as well. Jim Carrey shows some of the talent that would later make him a huge star in movies like Ace Ventura, plus the guy can dance! Lauren Hutton reminded me in this movie why she was one of the hottest women I’ve ever seen. I’m convinced that there is nothing in this world hotter than a vampire with that odd gap in her front teeth. Also I can’t say enough about how great Cleavon Little (Blazing Saddles) was in the role of Sebastian. I think much of the humor of the character comes from his great performance. I don’t know if it is because he died so young, but in my opinion the guy is incredibly underrated as an actor.

Now this is technically a horror comedy because of the vampire storyline, but in reality it isn’t. There isn’t any gore and I’m not sure that there is even any blood in this movie. So don’t sit down expected 30 Days of Night with some jokes. The film is shot well and looks great in that day glow 1980s kind of way.

From wardrobe, hairstyles and most importantly soundtrack it is clear that this is a 80s movie. There is just something special and unique about movies from this decade that puts a smile on my face. I suppose it could be that it reminds me of my youth or that this is the sort of movie that I remember renting from the local mom and pop video store. Either way I can’t recommend this movie enough.

3 out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer