THE PLOT THUS FAR
Based on author Richelle Mead’s worldwide bestselling series, VAMPIRE ACADEMY tells the legend of Rose Hathaway (Zoey Deutch) and Lissa Dragomir (Lucy Fry), two 17-year-old girls who attend a hidden boarding school for Moroi (mortal, peaceful Vampires) and Dhampirs (half-vampire/half-human guardians). Rose, a rebellious Guardian-in-training and her best friend, Lissa – a royal vampire Princess – have been on the run when they are captured and returned to St.Vladamirs Academy, the very place where they believe their lives may be in most jeopardy. Thrust back into the perils of Moroi Society and high school, Lissa struggles to reclaim her status while Rose trains with her mentor and love-interest, Dimitri (Danila Kozlovsky), to guarantee her place as Lissa’s guardian. Rose will sacrifice everything to protect Lissa from those who intend to exploit her from within the Academy walls and the Strigoi (immortal, evil vampires) who hunt her kind from outside its sanctuary.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Vampire Academy” is a film about the continued abuse of vampires at the hands of hack writers. This time, two young girls get to work in a boarding school to find a way to bring balance to Vampiredom. All the while, trying to survive the pressures of being a teenager. They’re edgy girls who don’t wear pink and they find something new to be independent about, while still crushing on boys. Rinse and repeat, then watch Gabriel Byrne look bored to be in this movie. What’s even stranger is the amount of talent behind the scenes on this movie. How did this happen?
Teen literature adaptations are terrible. “The Hunger Games” gets a pass on the back of Jennifer Lawrence and excellent camera work. Other than that, it’s the same as the rest of the schlock. Pushing all characters, setups and gender politics to one point makes these weirdly stilted stories. It’s almost like Mad Libs with strong female leads. Plug them into any situation and give little thought to how the end result plays out.
The Blu-Ray comes with a Digital HD copy, deleted scenes, interview and alternate opening as the only special features. The DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track kicks up the back channels. The 1080p transfer plays too dark at times. It’s not the worst, but it’s not the best. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to fans.
RELEASE DATE: 05/20/2014