Nick Knight (1989)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Absolutely the worst movie.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

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.

I simply had to see this made for TV vampire flick because Forever Knight is still one of my favorite shows. Nick Knight was the inspiration for the cult series that many of us know and love. If you ever dug Forever Knight, I would recommend checking this out. But I also warn you, if you've seen the pilot episode of Forever Knight, you've basically seen this movie. But for completists, it's neat to see someone else in the shoes of our vampire cop, Nick Knight. Rick Springfield (that's right, "Jessie's Girl") was the first to don the fangs, but I can't agree that he's the best. Rick Springfield and Michael Nader aren't nearly as cool as their Canadian counterparts. Geraint Wyn Davies and Nigel Bennett just have a completely different look to them and I think they fit the parts perfectly. It's also cool to see John Kapelos playing a louder, yet skinnier Detective Donald Schanke. He would be the only cast member to reprise his role for the duration of the series (I can't see anyone else in this role anyway). And, interestingly enough, the role of Natalie was played by...Robert Harper. That's right, Nick's doctor and confidant was a man originally. The show would have played out much differently if this concept hadn't changed. Much differently indeed. Anchor Bay released Nick Knight on DVD, so if you liked Forever Knight, pick it up.

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.

I enjoyed this movie very much when it came out and I would love to see it again. Rick Springfield was my idol when I was a teen, and I have liked most of what I've seen him in. I also liked the TV series based off this movie. Like I said, it was for the time a very original take on the old standby Vampire legend