My four star rating is generous. This movie was not good. I only really checked it out because it was a vampire romance film, Brendan Hughes from Howling 6 was in it and a song that i love "For You I'd Die" by Alexa Anastasia was in in. I had high hopes going in but this film is bad. The acting isn't the greatest, the pacing had issues and the story became hard to follow. Some things in the film made no sense. Like kate's best friend was in a happy relationship with her fiance, then out of nowhere she cheats on him with vlad and is jealous of Kate because vlad and kate like each other. That threw me for a loop and I was so confused, that scene where vlad threw a party at his house was the nail in the coffin, I couldn't even get through the first 50 minutes. I do not recommend.
19 Reviews
Modern vampire movie has its moments.
loomis78-815-98903430 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Vlad Tepish (Hughes) is a centuries old vampire who falls in love with a real estate agent, the pretty Kate (Walsh). Another vampire named Tom (Steve Bond) is around as the monkey on Vlad's back reminding him he killed his love interest 100 years before. Vlad goes around sucking blood and killing most of the people around Kate including her best friend C.C. (Wyss) who he turns into a vampire as well. Tom has plans of avenging his lost love by killing Kate the one Vlad loves. C.C.'s fiancé Martin (Jacoby) learns that C.C. Has been killed and goes to the morgue to drive a stake through her heart so she can't return. Martin convinces Kate of Vlad's true origin and they plan to end his vampire life. This modern vampire story breathes life into the vampire theme and turns out to be entertaining. The characters are allowed to develop and the plot is thought out and carried off well. The movies biggest sin is the fact that all though entertaining, it's not very scary in a traditional sense. Outside of one well-timed jolt in the morgue scene, the movie lacks true scares. John Buechler's makeup and effects are interesting and at times and have a frightful look to them. "Night of the Living Dead" star Duane Jones has what amounts to a cameo in this, his last film. The good production value and serious approach by the film makers makes this at least an entertaining Vampire film.
Very interesting movie for Vampire buffs !!
Coventry31 August 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Decent movie, and I'm surprised to say that myself, because I'm not a big fan of vampires and the sound of the director's name Deran Serafian usually means bad news. Most of his films are below average action movies like Death Warrant and Gunmen. This was one of his first films and maybe he should have continued making horror movies instead of action. This movie really fascinated me. Good accomplishment, seeing no famous actors or big budget was involved. It really is the story that keeps you focused. Especially fans of the original Dracula myth will be satisfied. Sarafian lights up another aspect of the famous Bram Stoker story and remains rather loyal and true to the truth. It explains the life of the Romenian Count Dracula and how he scared the Turkish army away by spearing dead corpses in front of his castle. Of course, that's where the reality and the "based on a true story" stops. The blood drinking and stuff all was invented by Bram Stoker.
In this movie, the count ( Vlad Teppish) emigrates to the USA and seduces tons of woman. And they're all pretty girls, I'll give him that. Overall, good acting by unknown faces, enough blood and gore to satisfy the more morbid horror fans and an interesting storyline. This film is really unknown and it was hidden on the darkest shelf at my local videostore. But it certainly is worth cleaning up the dust on the cover and put it in the VCR. Heck, it's a lot better than the famous Nicole Kidman movie with the same title. These two films have nothing else in common, but I blame that movie for stealing the attention away from this nice little picture.
In this movie, the count ( Vlad Teppish) emigrates to the USA and seduces tons of woman. And they're all pretty girls, I'll give him that. Overall, good acting by unknown faces, enough blood and gore to satisfy the more morbid horror fans and an interesting storyline. This film is really unknown and it was hidden on the darkest shelf at my local videostore. But it certainly is worth cleaning up the dust on the cover and put it in the VCR. Heck, it's a lot better than the famous Nicole Kidman movie with the same title. These two films have nothing else in common, but I blame that movie for stealing the attention away from this nice little picture.
"Don't forget to lock-up when you leave"
uds38 April 2002
The above line, one of the last in the movie, is just so poignant it pretty much sums up the film. Colossally underrated vampire flick that is long on style and quite touching romantically. It should never have worked so well.
Well up there with FRIGHT NIGHT, THE LOST BOYS and NEAR DARK, how such a low-budget movie with a mega-young brit actor, towering barely 5'7" in built-up shoes, standing in as Vlad the Impaler, could work so well, is staggering. It is I suspect a combination of the avant-garde script, outstanding (at times) cinematography and charismatic performance from pretty Sydney Walsh that does it. The brilliance of this film is set right from the opening scenes, whose significance becomes crystal clear later on. Miss Walsh, so reminiscent of a very young Sigourney Weaver here, hits exactly the right note as feisty real estate rep Kate Wooten, who is swept off her feet by cashed-up young client Vlad Tsepsh who for his part, responds to her charms with a rare reluctance.
Just so much to pull out of this wonderful film. The antagonism between Vlad and his brother, the sparkling repartee between Kate and Vlad and the retro ending just so unusual in vampire films. Equally as good as a love story as a horror film. It works a treat on both scores! One cannot pass over the excellent soundtrack either, most notably Rod Stewart's great contribution during the on-board boat party at the very beginning of the film, when Kate is mesmerised by Vlad's intrusion into her life.
Interestingly, Brendan Hughes resurrected the exact same characterisation in HOWLING VI: THE FREAKS which left for dead the previous four sequels!
Well up there with FRIGHT NIGHT, THE LOST BOYS and NEAR DARK, how such a low-budget movie with a mega-young brit actor, towering barely 5'7" in built-up shoes, standing in as Vlad the Impaler, could work so well, is staggering. It is I suspect a combination of the avant-garde script, outstanding (at times) cinematography and charismatic performance from pretty Sydney Walsh that does it. The brilliance of this film is set right from the opening scenes, whose significance becomes crystal clear later on. Miss Walsh, so reminiscent of a very young Sigourney Weaver here, hits exactly the right note as feisty real estate rep Kate Wooten, who is swept off her feet by cashed-up young client Vlad Tsepsh who for his part, responds to her charms with a rare reluctance.
Just so much to pull out of this wonderful film. The antagonism between Vlad and his brother, the sparkling repartee between Kate and Vlad and the retro ending just so unusual in vampire films. Equally as good as a love story as a horror film. It works a treat on both scores! One cannot pass over the excellent soundtrack either, most notably Rod Stewart's great contribution during the on-board boat party at the very beginning of the film, when Kate is mesmerised by Vlad's intrusion into her life.
Interestingly, Brendan Hughes resurrected the exact same characterisation in HOWLING VI: THE FREAKS which left for dead the previous four sequels!
I would have loved to put a stake in this one!
Captain_Couth27 February 2005
To Die For (1989) was just another d.t.v. feature that made an appearance on cable ad nasuem during the early nineties. The only thing notable about this feature was the last movie Duane Jones appeared in. Other than that there's no reason to watch this vampire flick unless you like pseudo chick flicks masquerading as a horror film. A tired vampire longs for love and searches the back streets of L.A. looking for it. Will he succeed or will Vlad just strike out again like he has for the last century?
This movie must have been big because a couple of sequels soon followed. They're so bad they make this one look like a classic. I know this is a movie about vampires but the film makers could have used to lighting.
Not recommended by me because I didn't like it.
'nuff said?
This movie must have been big because a couple of sequels soon followed. They're so bad they make this one look like a classic. I know this is a movie about vampires but the film makers could have used to lighting.
Not recommended by me because I didn't like it.
'nuff said?
Don't waste your time or money.
prittykitty7410 March 2006
Having read another review, I thought this movie would actually be good. I do enjoy the "B" movies, but this couldn't even be classed as such. The photography is probably the only half-way decent thing in the movie. But the editing left much to be desired. It was very choppy and staccato. Whoever chose the music and sound did a terrible job. The music was awful, specially anything atmospheric or scene setting. If the acting had been better, they could have pulled the movie off. Unfortunately, I've seen better acting in porn flicks. If you want to see a "B" vampire movie, check out 'Blood Ties'. You'll be much more entertained.
Very Bad!
amgee-8955131 December 2019
Bendan Hughes is 'To Die For'
samantha_jayne_fox23 August 2005
What a gem of a movie, so good that they made a sequel.
The film starts off really good with a nasty monster who eats a few people and a party where the 2 main characters first set eyes on each other.
Bendan Hughes plays the eccentric Vlad, a bit of an inkling there to who this character is, who has moved into town and uses the services of a particular real estate agent to find him a house.
Hell, we've all seen vampire movies, we know the format.
The movie is watchable, but the actors' performances are very wooden and they seem as they don't want to be in this film, but may be that's just all part of the decadent ambiance.
Didn't like the ending, but there is a sequel, must track it down.
When I watched the film I thought Brendan Hughes didn't really fit the part. Later on, I couldn't stop thinking about him, he sort of exudes an eerie sensuality, so maybe he was right for the part.
BRENDAN HUGHES Last seen in 'Hitler - the rise of evil' as Lt. Guffman.
Where is he now?
The film starts off really good with a nasty monster who eats a few people and a party where the 2 main characters first set eyes on each other.
Bendan Hughes plays the eccentric Vlad, a bit of an inkling there to who this character is, who has moved into town and uses the services of a particular real estate agent to find him a house.
Hell, we've all seen vampire movies, we know the format.
The movie is watchable, but the actors' performances are very wooden and they seem as they don't want to be in this film, but may be that's just all part of the decadent ambiance.
Didn't like the ending, but there is a sequel, must track it down.
When I watched the film I thought Brendan Hughes didn't really fit the part. Later on, I couldn't stop thinking about him, he sort of exudes an eerie sensuality, so maybe he was right for the part.
BRENDAN HUGHES Last seen in 'Hitler - the rise of evil' as Lt. Guffman.
Where is he now?
A very pleasant surprise!
HumanoidOfFlesh14 August 2002
When I found this film in my local videostore I expected it to be another cheesy American vampire film in the same vein of "The Lost Boys"(1987).To my surprise "To Die for" is a really good movie.It's a little bit corny at times,but still there are enough stylish set-pieces and surprises to satisfy vampire enthusiasts.This is a perfect mix of romance and horror and it's surprisingly gory at times.Highly recommended.
Uneven Film
chairhead_8210 October 2020
The pacing of this movie was much too slow (it takes a full 3 minutes just to start), and, aside from the initial meeting at the party, you can pretty much skip ahead to thirty minutes in without missing anything important.
However it isn't until halfway through that things get more interesting.
Vlad's old nemesis livens up an otherwise plodding storyline.
Special effects wise, some of the scenes are quite gruesome, while others are cheesy. The monster-like vampire design is unappealing and adds nothing to the story. Indeed, all the mysterious vampire attack scenes feel like they are from a different movie all together. The castle facade looks horrible by day light, and there being only one such scene,you get the idea they didn't realize that till it was too late.
The acting is also uneven, sometimes cheesy and overdone, sometimes compelling. (The actress playing Cici did evil rather well) The investigators/cops were completely pointless, doing little more than being scene filler.
The ending is much to melodramatic.
That being said, I don't think it's a bad movie, but do yourself a favour and multi task while it's on!
Special effects wise, some of the scenes are quite gruesome, while others are cheesy. The monster-like vampire design is unappealing and adds nothing to the story. Indeed, all the mysterious vampire attack scenes feel like they are from a different movie all together. The castle facade looks horrible by day light, and there being only one such scene,you get the idea they didn't realize that till it was too late.
The acting is also uneven, sometimes cheesy and overdone, sometimes compelling. (The actress playing Cici did evil rather well) The investigators/cops were completely pointless, doing little more than being scene filler.
The ending is much to melodramatic.
That being said, I don't think it's a bad movie, but do yourself a favour and multi task while it's on!
"I didn't know there were any Romanians in Vietnam."
Backlash0072 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
~Spoiler~
I noticed that To Die For and To Die For 2 were on sale at my local video store. So I came home and researched them and found some reviewers comparing the original to classics like Near Dark and Fright Night. Based on that shining recommendation I decided to pick them both up. If they suck, I'm out four dollars. Well, it looks like I'm out four dollars. I can't speak for its sequel yet, but To Die For is bad. It plays out like a cheesy soap opera. Very cheesy. It even has that soap opera look (just watch the opening "party" scene). I hate that. To Die For is another film in which Dracula has moved to modern day America and finds his long lost love. Snooze. Seen it a thousand times, and a thousand times better. The cast is terrible too, and I even like a few of them in other projects. Amanda Wyss from Nightmare on Elm Street is particularly bad and Brendan Hughes, who I liked in The Howling VI , is pretty flat as well. Why Duane Jones (he of Night of the Living Dead fame) even has a cameo in this film is beyond me. John Carl Buechler's effects ,while decent, are very out of place in this boring romance. I would suggest never watching this.
I noticed that To Die For and To Die For 2 were on sale at my local video store. So I came home and researched them and found some reviewers comparing the original to classics like Near Dark and Fright Night. Based on that shining recommendation I decided to pick them both up. If they suck, I'm out four dollars. Well, it looks like I'm out four dollars. I can't speak for its sequel yet, but To Die For is bad. It plays out like a cheesy soap opera. Very cheesy. It even has that soap opera look (just watch the opening "party" scene). I hate that. To Die For is another film in which Dracula has moved to modern day America and finds his long lost love. Snooze. Seen it a thousand times, and a thousand times better. The cast is terrible too, and I even like a few of them in other projects. Amanda Wyss from Nightmare on Elm Street is particularly bad and Brendan Hughes, who I liked in The Howling VI , is pretty flat as well. Why Duane Jones (he of Night of the Living Dead fame) even has a cameo in this film is beyond me. John Carl Buechler's effects ,while decent, are very out of place in this boring romance. I would suggest never watching this.
Watched younger
vickysue-5119417 June 2021
A MUST-SEE FOR FANS OF ROMANTIC VAMPIRE THRILLERS
LONE STAR9 August 2001
To Die For has it all.This film has a great cast. Lots and lots of romance and terror. Not too gory but still enough to appeal to horror fans. There are a lot more vampire love stories. If you are a fan of vampire love stories I strongly recommend this film-10/10.
Honestly, for a low budget independently produced vampire film this isn't half bad
IonicBreezeMachine23 July 2023
Real estate broker Kate Wooten (Sydney Walsh) is having trouble finding love while her roommate Ceila (Amanda Wyss) is now engaged to her fiancé Mike (Micah Grant). While attending a business party with her friend Martin (Scott Jacoby), Kate meets the enigmatic and charming Vlad Tepes (Brendan Hughes) who cultivates a romantic relationship with her unaware he is in fact the infamous Vlad the Impaler inspiration for the legend of Dracula.
To Die For is a 1989 low budget horror film produced by Greg H. Sims who was a fan of horror films including Dracula films and sought to approach the material more in the vein of a love story than a standard horror film. While only a modest performer in its initial release (though successful enough to spawn a direct-to-video/cable sequel) and mostly forgotten today, To Die For is actually a reasonably enjoyable film.
While To Die For doesn't stray too far from the established formula of vampire films trading in 19th century Wallachia for contemporary West Coast United States, the movie still tries to play itself as a straight gothic romance only within a modern day setting. With movies such as The Lost Boys and Fright Night became commercial successes by incorporating both horror and camp (as per the style of the time) while more serious such as The Hunger tended to be ignored by the public, you have to admire Sims for his commitment to making a vampire movie without a single twinge of irony to it despite the pethora of comparatively lighter teen skewing fare that had dominated the decade's depiction (for better or worse). Brendan Hughes and Sydney Walsh have solid chemistry as Vlad and Kate respectively and you do find yourself invested in the outcome of this story. I will say the writing is maybe a touch sloppy with a few too many characters and tangents for an 84 minute runtime with Scott Jacoby feeling somewhat edged out of the movie along with Micah Grant who probably could've been merged into the same character, and parts involving Celia or Steve Bond's Tom feel like they could've used some more breathing room. But minor gripes aside, Sims and his crew set out to create a serious minded vampire love story and they delivered on that front. I'd also be remised in my duty if I didn't mention they impressive effects work of John Carl Buechler (which also earned the film an X rating before an appeal) and we get some solid if sparingly used vampire slaying sequences and transformation effects even if parts like the Vampire's telekinesis are a little eyebrow raising.
I'll be the first to admit I have a soft spot for vampire films and you could argue maybe I'm being a little too generous here, but I like what I like. For a scant $1 million To Die For delivers on what it promises.
To Die For is a 1989 low budget horror film produced by Greg H. Sims who was a fan of horror films including Dracula films and sought to approach the material more in the vein of a love story than a standard horror film. While only a modest performer in its initial release (though successful enough to spawn a direct-to-video/cable sequel) and mostly forgotten today, To Die For is actually a reasonably enjoyable film.
While To Die For doesn't stray too far from the established formula of vampire films trading in 19th century Wallachia for contemporary West Coast United States, the movie still tries to play itself as a straight gothic romance only within a modern day setting. With movies such as The Lost Boys and Fright Night became commercial successes by incorporating both horror and camp (as per the style of the time) while more serious such as The Hunger tended to be ignored by the public, you have to admire Sims for his commitment to making a vampire movie without a single twinge of irony to it despite the pethora of comparatively lighter teen skewing fare that had dominated the decade's depiction (for better or worse). Brendan Hughes and Sydney Walsh have solid chemistry as Vlad and Kate respectively and you do find yourself invested in the outcome of this story. I will say the writing is maybe a touch sloppy with a few too many characters and tangents for an 84 minute runtime with Scott Jacoby feeling somewhat edged out of the movie along with Micah Grant who probably could've been merged into the same character, and parts involving Celia or Steve Bond's Tom feel like they could've used some more breathing room. But minor gripes aside, Sims and his crew set out to create a serious minded vampire love story and they delivered on that front. I'd also be remised in my duty if I didn't mention they impressive effects work of John Carl Buechler (which also earned the film an X rating before an appeal) and we get some solid if sparingly used vampire slaying sequences and transformation effects even if parts like the Vampire's telekinesis are a little eyebrow raising.
I'll be the first to admit I have a soft spot for vampire films and you could argue maybe I'm being a little too generous here, but I like what I like. For a scant $1 million To Die For delivers on what it promises.
A Wonderful Vampire movie.
BlueVelvet76098 July 2002
This is a very underrated vampire movie. I think it was one of the best vampire films ever made. It has a great cast (Brendan Hughes is just so sexy), good acting, a traditional, but different story, it has everything. The only thing I did not like about this movie was that SOME, not all, of the death scenes are cheesy. This movie was very romantic and when you watch it, you feel hypnotized. I strongly recommend this movie to everyone!
Pretty Good Vampire Tale
ladymidath21 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I have to admit, I have a fondness for old movies from the 80s and 90s, especially the made-for-television ones. To Die For is definitely one of the better ones. It's your typical, girl meets vampire, girl and vampire fall in love, and here it works.
All the leads are great, the acting is spot on and the special effects and makeup is actually pretty good.
It's the kind of horror movie with gothic overtones that you can curl up with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy.
I recommend it for fans of vampire and horror movies in general.
All the leads are great, the acting is spot on and the special effects and makeup is actually pretty good.
It's the kind of horror movie with gothic overtones that you can curl up with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy.
I recommend it for fans of vampire and horror movies in general.
I love the film.....
gallatea829 August 2011
So pure so simple not spoiled by special effects. One of the best Dracula movies I've seen...and I have seen most of them.
The never ending battle between good and evil continues as history's most notorious bloodsucker turns up in modern day Los Angeles in director Deran Sarafian's updating of Bram Stoker's timeless tale of terror. He may have a new look and a new life, but when Vlad Tepish arrives on Los Angeles in search of his one true love, an old nemesis vows to put an end to his horrific reign of terror once and for all. With love and death on a collision course that could signal the end of history's greatest villain, the stage is set for a battle that will pit the eternal devotion of a monster against the determination of the man sworn to destroy him.
The never ending battle between good and evil continues as history's most notorious bloodsucker turns up in modern day Los Angeles in director Deran Sarafian's updating of Bram Stoker's timeless tale of terror. He may have a new look and a new life, but when Vlad Tepish arrives on Los Angeles in search of his one true love, an old nemesis vows to put an end to his horrific reign of terror once and for all. With love and death on a collision course that could signal the end of history's greatest villain, the stage is set for a battle that will pit the eternal devotion of a monster against the determination of the man sworn to destroy him.
One of the Best Dracula films ever made!!
louisegardiner4612 September 2013
Firstly, I have seen most vampire movies, but not long a go I discovered this! I thought Bram Stoker's Dracula starring Gary Oldman was fantastic, dark and sensual...but this just gave me goosebumps all over. I now own this on DVD. And now I can't seem to get enough of it, watched it a few times now...Brendan Hughes as Vlad is...DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!!Love this movie to bits. I think this film is very underrated completely; it has all what you would wish got in a vampire horror film i.e. Blood, gore, violence, romantic scenes..it takes my breath away every time i watch this. So I recommend this to anyone who love a true vampire film. It's definitely got a good vote from me!
Another great Dracula film
jacobjohntaylor113 August 2016
This a Dracula sequel. And like most Dracula sequels it is an awesome movie. 5.2 is underrating it. This is a true horror classic. This one horror movie that is a must see. It has a great story line. It has great acting. It has great special effects. I give it 10 out of 10. Nosferatu (1922) is better. Dracula (March 1931) is also better. Dracula (1992) is better. Dracula (1979) is better. Dracula's daughter (1936) is also better. Son of Dracula (1943) is also better. House of Frankenstein is also better. House of Dracula is also better. Horror of Dracula is also better. The brides of Dracula is also better. Dracula the prince of darkness is also better. But still this a great horror movie. This is one of the better Dracula movies. See it.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
