It’s a common story line: a tough guy who can kick butt gets stuck with a ditsy partner. The two hate each other at first but then begin to develop a relationship and end up working together in the end. This type of storyline appears in hundreds of films from the 80s and 90s. So how do you refresh this type of arc while keeping fans interested? Somehow, Netflix was able to do it with their new action comedy, Day Shift.
Courtesy of Netflix
First time feature film director, J. J. Perry, took on the task to bring a story with vampires, hunters, action, and comedy to life. Perry who has spent his career as a stunt man, second camera man, and actor said it felt like it was the perfect time for him to try directing. Perry chose to direct Day Shift, released on Netflix due to the script and the actors.
Due to his background, Perry was able to bring a fresh film that is full of fast paced action sequences, long shots of fight scenes, and the time and space for the actors to have comedic moments. Perry worked hard to take this story and turn it into a cheerful movie with a nice refreshing storyline. While at times, it might be somewhat predictable, the movie does a great job of putting you into the action.
Bud Jablonski (Jamie Foxx) is a solo vampire hunter that is working hard to make some money as he faces financial trouble. We learn pretty quickly that Jablonski is one of many hunters in the area that work within a union. However, Jablonski was kicked out for numerous violations of the union’s code. However, when Bud faces increasing financial pressure from his ex-wife (Meagan Good) who needs more money and wants to move her daughter (Zion Broadnax) to another city (making money from selling their house), Jablonski must drag his feet back to the union to beg to get in, so he can hunt more vampires (the more you hunt, the more money you make). We should also mention that Jablonski hides his career from everyone including his family which has not helped his personal life either. However, no one knows what type of fighting he is about to face or what partner he ends up getting stuck with.
Courtesy of Netflix
“Day Shift” does not pretend to be original. There is not a single element in this movie that cannot be found in a well-known horror or action movie. However, the references in this film, gives homage to Perry’s love of horror and action movies. The cast does a great job of inserting humor, which never feels forced. The monsters are given good storylines that blur between reality and fantasy. This film doesn’t rely much on CGI (its there) but Perry relied heavily on what his crew could do on site. Remember, this film was made in a super short time and during COVID. Perry said everyone that stepped on set gave it there all while never complaining or saying no.
Courtesy of Netflix
Perry created fighting vampires that are half bad ass and half gymnasts. Taking pieces of past horror films, you find the vampires walking on their hands, unnaturally arching bodies into crazy formations, and incredibly skilled. Not to mention, they are unbelievably hard to kill.
However, do not count out the hunters which seemed to develop all sorts of creative ways to fight them. This includes everything from boots with built-in blades, crazy guns, and even garlic gum. Trust, you will know what we mean when you see it, in what one could argue is one of the best scenes of the film. It often looks comical, but that’s the way it’s meant to be — after all, it’s not the time to seriously show sparring with evil spirits.
Courtesy of Netflix
As previously mentioned, Foxx does get a partner in the film, played by Dave Franco. Franco brings the humor, the charm, and the vulnerability that helps us as viewers relate as we enter this world. Karla Souza, who plays the main villain in this film, wears some of the best costumes and jewelry in the film. She is gorgeous and they take her vampire look to the next level. Peter Stormare and Oliver Masucci, whom everyone knows from “Darkness” add so much to their scenes that their lack of scenes becomes irrelevant.
Courtesy of Netflix
But perhaps one of the best finds of the “Day Shift” is Snoop Dogg. His charisma and energy coming from the screen is impressive. Every time you see Snoop in the film he steals the scene. It’s hard for anyone to really go toe to toe with him. He is funny, serious, and a true legend. It was such a delight to see Foxx and Snoop on screen together. It also reminded us that Snoop (who is a legend in his own right as a musician) can act and should be on screen WAY more than he is now.
“Day Shift” will definitely appeal to everyone who is nostalgic for “Blade” and other fun films of the time. It tells the story but is light, funny, and goes by quick. This film is a celebration for fans of the genre and a perfect example of unusual, tasteful projects that Netflix should invest in the future.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Check out the trailer below:
The film is currently streaming now on Netflix.
Polina graduated from State University of Management in 2011 with a qualification of Publicity Specialist majoring in "Advertising" and has a diploma of professional training at the Academy of Communications "Wordshop" specializing in Digital-specialist. She has completed courses in copywriting and creative writing in 2019 and continues to develop these skills every day.
Polina is always ready to learn something new and challenging and expand her talents. She is obsessed with watching TV shows and movies and loves to discuss this topic on social networks with like-minded people.
