'Queen of the Damned' less impressive sequel to 'Interview With the Vampire'

By Jack Garner
Gannett News Service

QUEEN OF THE DAMNED (Rated R with gory violence) Two Stars (Fair) A dull, moody vampire sequel, drawing attention because of the appearance of the late R&B star, Aaliyah. Stuart Townsend and Vincent Perez co-star for director Michael Rymer. Warner Bros., 95 mins.

But, in truth, the young star-on-the-rise doesn't even appear on screen until this rather dull film is more than half over, and then only has three major scenes.

And given the one-note nature of her bloody, villainous character, it's hard to say what sort of screen career the young pop star might have had.

At least she had enough spunk to do what's required to play the "mother of all vampires:"

• She wears what looks like Princess Leia's skimpy sex slave outfit from "Return of the Jedi," made over to suggest she's a Goth variation of Queen Nefertiti.
• She walks with a slinky wiggle, and speaks with a vaguely metallic, disembodied voice.
• She rips out hearts and chews them with sloppy vigor.
• And, despite her slight shape, she throws her adversaries about like they're Frisbees.

But, despite the title, "Queen of the Damned" is really a further adventure of the vampire Lestat, first encountered in "Interview with a Vampire," created from Anne Rice's best-selling novel. "Queen of the Damned" is a sequel, adapted mostly from Rice's third Lestat novel, with bits of her second tale thrown in for good measure.

But "Interview with a Vampire" was a top-shelf production, complete with Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. "Queen of the Damned" is a less impressive, B-movie echo, though it has fleeting moments of impressive, stylish effects, and intriguing ideas.

Lestat now is played — with notable charisma — by handsome, Irish-born up-and-comer Stuart Townsend.

As the film opens, Lestat is bored and lonely. He's discovered that eternity isn't such a fun thing when you have to spend it alone and in the dark. The only people you socialize with are your prey.

Lestat is anxious to be known — and to be seen. How better than as a rock star? Once the Goth music and lifestyle movement arrives, Lestat knows what he wants. He becomes a rock star.

But this upsets the traditional vampire fraternity, including Lestat's mentor, Marius (Vincent Lopez). "Normal" vampires believe they should not be seen or heard until they moment they sink their teeth into your neck.

Meanwhile, Marius keeps a statue in his mansion of Queen Akasha (Aaliyah), the mother of all vampires. For reasons that aren't exactly clear, she comes to life and tries to recruit Lestat to be her consort.

The story's bizarre threads all become entangled at Lestat's big rock concert, staged in Death Valley (of course).

Along the way, various vampire rules come and go, willy-nilly. On one hand, vampires are eternal; on the other, they get killed (and not with a stake through the heart). They can't stand daylight. Well, maybe sometimes ...

Director Michael Rymer generates little excitement or suspense. The movie frequently feels lethargic, with pale, moody characters gliding slowly, hither and yon.

Rymer demonstrates an intriguing visual sensibility, though much of it seems more suited to a satanic, heavy metal music video.

Rated R, with gory violence.