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Queen of the Damned

Starring: Stuart Townsend, Aaliyah
Director: Michael Rymer
Genre: Horror
Year: 2002
Rating: 1 / 5

The biggest myth about Queen of the Damned is that is actually "stars" Aaliyah. The late singer-actress, who died in a tragic accident before completion of this film, makes only nominal appearances here. Make no mistake about it - her participation in this film has been trumpeted loudly for all of her fans to hear. Unfortunately, her presence and the film's listless tale are not able to live up to the fanfare. Queen of the Damned, another theatrical incarnation of an Anne Rice novel, is a choppy blend of music videos and drawn-out, slow-motion action sequences. It promises little and delivers even less, topped off by its daring ability to actually take itself seriously.

Lestat (Stuart Townsend) has been asleep for a very long time when he decides it is time to rejoin the world. Turning his back on an unspoken vampire credo, Lestat begins making a name for himself in the world of the living. He and his rock band soar to the top of the music business, creating a devoted following and a mysterious aura about them. Instead of hiding in the shadows, as has been the vampire way for thousands of years, Lestat lives out in the open, proudly boasting of his heritage and daring anyone - human and vampire alike - to defy him. Only when his music awakens Queen Akasha (Aaliyah), who has slept for hundreds of years, does he begin to realize his role in the world.

In a film that really should be called The Further Adventures of Lestat, Stuart Townsend is a respectable choice for the lead role. He broods throughout the film, practicing his stalking stroll throughout hallways and alleys. His main objective is to hiss from time to time and look as menacing as possible. This does not differ greatly from Aaliyah's role as Queen Akasha, as she does little more than slither seductively through crowded rooms. I dare not even discuss her accent, which had audience members snickering whenever she bothered to speak. The graver sin, though, might be the fact that the movie's "star" barely makes an appearance during the first hour of the film, then proceeds to portray an utterly bland and lifeless (no vampire pun intended) character upon arrival.

Queen of the Damned is a disappointing offering in nearly every imaginable way, although it never does stoop to the level of self-mockery. The visual effects in the film are passable, though nothing the average filmgoer has not seen before. One wonders why actress Lena Olin, who has certainly seen better days, would even bother signing on for her thankless role. The soundtrack, featuring a handful of popular metal-tinged offerings, might be the best thing Queen of the Damned has going for it. This Queen should be damned to late-night cable, its true home, as soon as possible.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for violence.
Running Time: 100 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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