“I’M A VAMPIRE!” “I’M A VAMPIRE!” “I’M A VAMPIRE!” – Nicolas Cage
“Vampire’s Kiss”was officially released in 1989 (same year Jubilee made her comic book debut) earning mixed to positive reception and was a box office failure. Overtime, the movie gained a cult following due to Nicolas “Nic” Cage’s over-the-top performance as a guy who slowly becomes a vampire exhibiting bizarre effects. Vampire’s Kiss also became a source of memes.
Anyway, I’m watching and reviewing Horror movies during Halloween Month. One more thing, Mr. Cage will portray John Madden in an upcoming biographical film about the Football icon’s life, career and involvement in the “Madden NFL” video game series. Christian Bale will co-star as Football executive, Al Davis. As of late 2025, no confirmation on Madden’s release date. Probably sometime around 2026.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this cult classic.
Alive & Dead Qualities
Alive: Nicolas “Nic” Cage did a fantastic job for his hammy performance. You can tell he was having fun on set.
Fun Facts
- Nic considers Vampire’s Kiss as his best work.
- Nic mentioned his dream to play a vampire. He got his wish twice in this movie and played Dracula in “Renfield.”
- Nic ate an actual cockroach. He had the balls to do something disgusting. That’s method acting for ya. If I were told to eat a live cockroach, I would immediately walk away.
- Christian Bale stated he based Nic’s performance on Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho.”
Random Thought: First time I’ve heard of Vampire’s Kiss was on Conan ‘O Brien’s talk show. He showed some clips of Nic’s films comparing them to a Homeland Security threat level. Look it up. It’s really funny. I gotta give Mr. ‘O Brien credit for introducing me to this cult classic.
Jokes made me laugh so hard courtesy of Mr. Cage’s delivery. That one with him reciting the alphabet earns Bonus Points. I couldn’t stop laughing.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.
Pacing didn’t feel slow or fast. I didn’t even look at the clock.
Jennifer Beals (Flashdance girl) appears as a vampire who bit Peter. Life Lesson 101, never have a boozy one-night stand with a stranger. By the way, I saw Ms. Beals signing autographs at Fan Expo Dallas 2025. I’m not a big fan of her’s, but it was a good glimpse of seeing celebs interacting with people at fan conventions
Most of Nic’s scenes became memes. That one scene with his character, Peter threatens his secretary spawned the meme, “You don’t say?” He doesn’t say it in the actual movie.
Character Development involving Peter. As the movie progress, he goes from a jerkstore white collar worker who mistreats his secretary to a crazed individual slowly succumbing to the effects of becoming a vampire.
Without giving too much away, Peter’s mental state if he’s a vampire or not is up to the audience.
My favorite line and scene that became a meme is when Peter repeatedly yells, “I’M A VAMPIRE!”
Dead: The movie’s a tad dated. For instance, an establishing shot of the Twin Towers appears in the Opening Credits.
The Final Verdict: A-
Vampire’s Kiss is a unique vampire Comedy known for its bizarre premise following Nicolas “Nic” Cage around known for his hammy performance. If you’re looking for a good blend of Horror and Comedy, check this one out. Don’t forget to watch Mr. Cage as Dracula in Renfield. He pulled of another hammy performance.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 