In October 1996, Director Robert Rodriguez and Writer/Producer Quentin Tarantino unleashed a new type of vampire movie upon the world: “From Dusk Till Dawn.”
This particular film was part horror film, part action film and part comedy. While it didn’t do particularly well at the box office, the film gained a cult status on the home video and DVD market.
Fast forward to 2014, and Rodriguez decided it was time to bring his vision to the small screen. Thus, “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” was born.
The original film stars a young George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino, and the series goes to great lengths to cast two young actors who resemble the duo, casting DJ Cotrona and Zane Holtz, respectively.
While both actors do an admirable job of attempting to channel some of the Clooney/ Tarantino magic, it doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Season 1 has its ups and down; it opens with a storyline that basically follows the film verbatim. However, the second season opens with a brand new storyline and new hopes for those who adored the original Tarantino, Rodriguez and George Clooney vehicle.
The story follows two outlaw brothers who attempt to get to the Mexico border after escaping from a prison bus in Kansas.
While in Texas attempting to set up a rendezvous with a fellow criminal in Mexico, the brothers kidnap a father, his daughter and his foster son. After finally making it across the Mexican border, the group of five wait at a bar which, unknown to them, is a haven for a group of vampires who feed on the bar’s customers.
Season 2 aired Aug. 25 with a solid episode, “Opening Night.” It showed the audience where the characters have ended up after the season one finale.
Holtz’s character Richie lives in his own dream world, while Cotrona’s character, Seth, is back in America on the run from both the police and the blood-thirsty vampires.
The series’ cinematography is the one thing that deserves high praise. The series looks sensational. The colors fly off the screen. The dialogue is well-written.
Tarantino’s hand in the series is quite obvious when listening to the brothers bickering back and forth throughout the episode.
Season 2, episode 1 is definitely a step in the right direction for the series as new characters and storylines are introduced, which will keep audiences’ interests piqued.
“From Dust Till Dawn: The Series” airs on the El Rey Network at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays.
image via http://dusktilldawn.wikia.com/
