Bodega of Blood

With 1995's cult classic "Vampire in Brooklyn" and now "Vampires vs. The Bronx", perhaps it's a good time for comedy and horror to descend on the rest of the Five Boroughs

Last month, Netflix released this colorful comedy and as is customary with many of their feature films, its been somewhat buried under the slew of content they've produced since. It's a charming adventure with just enough heart to drive a stake through. In all seriousness, it lives in the traditions of films past and while it may not add anything new to vampire lore, it's genuinely humorous and crafts a story interesting enough to hook audiences in with its very first scene. It's occasionally campy, but that tends to happen with horror-comedies and the movie balances both well enough that it never makes the climax feel inconsequential.

Miguel "Lil' Mayor" Martinez (Jaden Michael) is canvasing his neighborhood with flyers for a block party that's being hosted to save the Primo Bodega, a hot spot hangout for himself and his friends Bobby (Gerald W. Jones III) and Luis (Gregory Diaz IV). However, our young heroes soon find themselves fighting for their lives against some powerful enemies; inner city pitfalls, bloodthirsty vampires and worst of all, gentrification. Former Disney Channel mainstay Coco Jones, The Kid Mero, Sarah Gaden and veteran character actor Shea Whigham round out the main cast and there a couple of nice cameos as well.

"Vampires vs. The Bronx" is simply old-fashioned fun with a new age spin. Those familiar with 80's favorites like "Monster Squad" and "The Lost Boys" or fans of more recent gems like "Attack the Block" and "Stranger Things" will instantly recognize the film's energy. The narrative of kids quested to save the day when adults don't realize the day needs saving is tried and true, but the film's humor and the cast's synergy are the difference makers. Not to mention its central allegory is clever and never gets too heavy-handed. SNL's Oz Rodriguez's comedic background is apparent in his direction and the spirited screenplay (which he co-wrote with Blaise Hemingway). There are a number of cliches throughout and aside from a few fleeting moments, it's rarely scary, but the film works well as a throwback monster movie with some satirical self-awareness. With two boroughs down, perhaps the rest of New York should join in on the fun and whip up their own dark urban fantasies. "Dracula Takes Manhattan" or maybe "An American Werewolf in Queens"? Just a thought. B+