Woodyanders Loner vampire police detective Nick Knight (a fine and likable performance by Rick Springfield) investigates a series of murders in which the victims are drained of blood. Knight's investigation leads him back to his former master and nemesis Lacroix (smoothly played with sinister glee by Michael Nader), who turned Nick into a bloodsucker centuries ago. Director Farhad Mann, working from a smart and inspired script by James D. Parriott, relates the fun and engrossing plot at a snappy pace, offers a vivid evocation of the funky neon haze of nocturnal Los Angeles, and stages the exciting action scenes with skill and flair. Moreover, Knight's struggle to retain his humanity and resist his more monstrous urges makes him a tragic and sympathetic figure. The fine acting from the able cast helps a lot: John Kapelos as Knight's easygoing smartaleck partner Don Schanke, Robert Harper as amiable coroner Dr. Jack Brittington, Laura Johnson as helpful anthropologist Dr. Alyce Hunter, Richard Fancy as antsy superior Captain Brunetti, Craig Richard Nelson as the vengeful Fenner, and Fran Ryan as kindly homeless lady Jeannie. Popping up in cool small parts are Irene Miracle as a nurse and Cec Verrell as chic vampiress Janette. Frank Beascoechea's stylish cinematography boasts lots of sweeping aerial shots and makes invigorating use of a constantly moving camera. Joseph Conlan's dynamic score and the lively rock soundtrack of familiar 80's hits both hit the right-on rousing spot. Worth a watch.

naillon-2 I would give this 10 stars if they had rewritten the female lead, made it a four-hour film, and cast an actress who could actually ACT as the leading lady.The story here is that Los Angeles is experiencing a series of murders in which the victims (all homeless) are found drained of blood. When another victim is found - also bled dry - shouts of "vampire" are being heard, even though this latest victim doesn't fit the pattern of the other murders.Enter Nick Knight, an LA cop who works the night shift, and works it alone, successfully hiding the fact that he is a vampire. When working the case, he finds himself saddled with an unwanted partner (John Kapelos) and falling for an archaeologist (Laura Johnson).I would have liked to see a much longer movie, since the length of this film didn't spend enough time on introducing the characters or showing what is important in their lives. It just throws the action at the viewer. We don't know why Knight suddenly finds himself attracted to this archaeologist, we don't get to see their relationship blossom, and we don't find out enough about his private life.One of the real mysteries here is, why was Laura Johnson cast? Why was she even allowed near the set? She is supposed to be a strong, resourceful woman, but she behaves like a walking bundle of neuroses. She looks weird, too. Granted, the character does some pretty stupid things, but Johnson makes you think that she's always incompetent and incapable of relating to anyone. It was a rotten casting choice; boos to the person who picked her for the role.On the plus side, Springfield fits into his role as if it had been written specifically for him. He has too few acting parts, but when he's on screen, you can't take your eyes off him. He has that charisma that is found all too rarely even among actors who make acting their sole source of income. Springfield, as a best-selling musician, certainly doesn't need to act to provide himself with an income; I, however, am VERY glad to see him whenever he does act. He even overcomes Johnson's complete lack of sexual attractiveness, and does it effortlessly; how, I don't know. It's a shame Neil Jordan didn't cast an eye at Springfield for "Interview with the Vampire".Take a look. It's now available on DVD.

kevinwohler The majority of people who have seen the made-for-TV movie Nick Knight are probably devoted fans of the short-lived horror series "Forever Knight." While this movie is a pilot for the series, it has the added curiosity of throwing Rick Springfield into the starring role as the cop/vampire who is trying to make the world a better place. As made-for-TV movies go, this one is about as good as can be expected. Which is to say, it's average. It doesn't hold a candle to "Forever Knight," but for fans of the show it is an interesting diversion. Sadly, like the show this unpolished gem hasn't made it to video or DVD. Maybe you'll get lucky and catch it on television sometime. It's worth setting the VCR for it.

GlendaC This is my favourite movie. I know that sounds pathetic, but the first time I watched it, it kept me guessing. Most movies are predictable. Of course it only worked the first time I watched it, but I never knew if the vampire was good or bad until well into the movie and thoroughly enjoyed the whole movie. I was disappointed at that time to find it was a pilot which of course leaves room for more at the end. I thought the music was great and actually tracked down (it was of course by then getting old) some of the CDs. It was disappointing that 'Forever Knight' the series that followed didn't keep to the high standard set by this pilot, although I've still watched all the episodes several times. Anyway, for what it's worth, I think this movie is worth a look.