Dnevnoy dozo (Day Watch)
I had been waiting so long for this film that I had almost forgotten it was coming out. Normally when that happens with a movie I begin to lose interest or I'm disappointed when I finally do see it. Not so this time. Not only was I excited when I heard it was finally here, it only took about 5 minutes into the film before I remembered how much I loved Night Watch (the first in the trilogy). And it didn't stop there.
For those unfamiliar with the series (which is probably most people, since it is a Russian series), this is the second part of a trilogy based on novels by Sergei Lukyanenko. Yes, he is Russian, and yes this movie is from Russia (hence why it was at the Little and not Regal). Also, from what I've heard, this film is shattering box office records over there (or it was when it was out). So yes, this is a subtitled movie (oh no, reading!), but these aren't your normal subtitles. Instead of being an after thought, the subtitles in this film play a supporting role. They are dimmer when someone talks form the distance, shake with violence and anger, splatter across the walls... Not only do they not detract from the experience (although I have never personally felt subtitles did that for me), they enhance it.
But enough about the text, let's get into the film itself. The same cast returns, which is fantastic since they were perfectly cast the first time around (especially the anti-hero lead). Often times the acting can seem off in some foreign films from less than standard locals, but not here. I can honestly say that I didn't have a problem with any of the acting (which I can't say about any of the Hollywood releases that I've seen as of late, and they are supposed to have the real actors?).
The story is a blend of action, drama, horror, and comedy, but in a way that actually works. I tried to define a genre for this movie with a friend who has also been up on the series, and the best she could come up with is Epic Trilogy. While the underlying plot (Light vs. Dark, Good vs. Evil, Super-humans vs. Vampires) isn't overly inventive, the way it is put together is. While it is good vs. evil, it isn't black and white. Our hero here isn't exactly a boyscout, but he's not Satan either, he's in the middle there. In the end, the story isn't perfect, but with the atmosphere and effects and acting there are very few holes. But you must keep in mind that this is both a sequel and an adaptation of a novel, so there are some parts that may not seem fully explained or may seem rushed. So I highly recommend seeing Night Watch first (hell, I just highly recommend seeing Night Watch whether or not you plan on seeing Day Watch). If you don't see it first there is a big chance that you will be lost in a lot of areas. Even if you do, there is still a chance you can get lost in all of it.
RATING: Worth Full Price (and even worth a second viewing in my opinion), Worth a High Netflix, Waiting With Anticipation For Dusk Watch