Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
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31% of critics liked it
(35 reviews) -
44% of users liked it
(317,218 ratings)
The idea of fusing teen sex-comedy and horror genres into a boffo box-office bonanza seems like classic braindead Hollywood-think... but somehow, beyond all reason, the makers of this film manage to pull it off. Much of the credit goes to director Fran Rubel Kuzui (Tokyo Pop) who chooses wisely to… More The idea of fusing teen sex-comedy and horror genres into a boffo box-office bonanza seems like classic braindead Hollywood-think... but somehow, beyond all reason, the makers of this film manage to pull it off. Much of the credit goes to director Fran Rubel Kuzui (Tokyo Pop) who chooses wisely to let the jokes and action rip by so quickly that viewers won't have time to realize there's practically nothing going on. Also excellent is Kristy Swanson as the bubble-headed cheerleader who learns from a Van Helsing-ish stranger (Donald Sutherland) that she's, like, the reincarnation of this pure female warrior and stuff, destined to rid the world -- or at least the Valley -- of vampires. No sooner is the Buffster being schooled in the ways of vampire butt-kicking (much to the consternation of meek pretty-boy beau Luke Perry) than the lead vampire (Rutger Hauer) and his leering cronies show up -- and leading up the pack is none other than Pee-Wee Herman himself, Paul Reubens. Fans of this film's popular TV offspring will appreciate the fang-sharp humor but may be surprised to find little evidence of the spooky atmosphere that permeates the series -- though there are some inspired moments, particularly the ridiculous death-by-ruler scene. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi
- Directed By
- Fran Rubel Kuzui
- Written By
- Joss Whedon
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Horror, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jul 31, 1992 Wide
- On DVD
- Sep 4, 2001
- Studio
- 20th Century Fox
Critic Reviews
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Joss Whedon's script has some fun with Valley talk (both genuine and ersatz) but strains to sell the story.
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Todd McCarthy, Variety
A bloodless comic resurrection of the undead that goes serious just when it should get wild and woolly.
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, Time Out
Unfocused stuff, pitched at undemanding teenagers.
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Janet Maslin, New York Times
A slight, good-humored film that's a lot more painless than might have been expected.
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Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
As a friend tells Buffy while she eyes a fashion purchase, 'It's so five minutes ago.'
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Kristy Swanson
as Buffy
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Donald Sutherland
as Merrick
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Rutger Hauer
as Lothos
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Paul Reubens
as Amilyn
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Luke Perry
as Pike
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Michele Abrams
as Jennifer
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Hilary Swank
as Kimberly
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Paris Vaughan
as Nicole
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David Arquette
as Benny
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Randall Batinkoff
as Jeffrey
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Candy Clark
as Buffy's Mom
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Andrew Lowery
as Andy
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Sasha Jenson
as Grueller
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Stephen Root
as Gary Murray
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Natasha Gregson Wagner
as Cassandra
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Mark De Carlo
as Coach
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Ben Affleck
as Basketball Player
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Chino Binamo
as Vampire
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Al Goto
as Vampire
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Michael Kopelow
as Student
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Ricki Lake
as Charlotte (uncredited)
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Paul Lane
as Robert Berman
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Chi-Muoi Lo
as Vampire
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Rick Logan
as Bloody Student
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James Paradise
as Buffy's Dad
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David Sherrill
as Knight
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Ben R. Scott
as Vampire
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Terry Jackson
as Vampire
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Sharon Schaffer
as Vampire
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Lincoln Simonds
as Vampire
- Johanna Ray
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Mike Johnson
as Vampire
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Tony Maxwell
as Student
- Kurtis Epper Sanders
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Thomas Jane
as Zeph
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Liz Smith
as Reporter



