Watch Vampire Bats

Vampire Bats is a 2005 horror-thriller film from director, Eric Bross. The film follows the story of a small town in Louisiana that is under attack by a swarm of genetically enhanced vampire bats that are typically only found in South America. The movie stars Lucy Lawless (of Xena: Warrior Princess fame), Dylan Neal, and Liam Waite as the main characters unravel the mystery behind the sudden influx of vampire bats.

The film takes off with a group of bat researchers (played by Lucy Lawless, Dylan Neal, and Liam Waite) in South America, who are collecting samples of a new and unusual breed of vampire bat for their research. We learn that the researchers are part of a gene splicing program, which creates these genetically enhanced bats. After a tense scene where the researchers accidentally let the vampire bats loose, they return to the US with the bats in tow.

Meanwhile, the action shifts to a small town in Louisiana where locals have been falling victim to brutal attacks by vampire bats. A local veterinarian, Dr. Maddy Rierdon (played by Lucy Lawless), is called upon to investigate the strange deaths. Maddy is aided by Joe, a friend from her college days (played by Dylan Neal), Joe's son, and the town's mayor, Emmett Kimsey (played by Timothy Bottoms).

Maddy soon discovers that the bats attacking the town are the same genetically enhanced breed that the researchers have brought back from South America. She suspects that the bats may have escaped and contaminated the local population. Together, the team of researchers and local authorities race to stop the vampire bats from spreading and killing off the town.

The tension builds as the body count rises, and it becomes apparent that the bats are targeting specific members of the town, leaving Maddy to uncover the truth behind the bat's unusual behavior. As the townspeople and researchers scramble to contain the outbreak, they soon realize that they are up against more than just simple animals. The movie quickly delves into the science behind the gene-splicing of vampire bats, leading to some interesting revelations.

The film has its fair share of jump-scares and gore, so it's definitely not for the faint-of-heart. However, the pacing is slow and steady, allowing the mystery to unfold at a natural pace, without feeling rushed or forced. The director manages to add a unique twist to the vampire genre, with the inclusion of genetically modified vampire bats as the villains, making for a fresh and interesting watch.

The performances by the cast are adequate, and they all manage to bring their characters to life. Lucy Lawless is the standout, with her portrayal of the smart and brave veterinarian, who won't stop until she gets to the bottom of the mystery. Dylan Neal is also excellent in his role as Joe, Maddy's college friend, with his charm and wit adding a light tone to the movie.

The cinematography is decent, with some beautiful shots of Louisiana's swamps and small-town charm that add to the authenticity of the film. The use of practical and CGI effects in the scenes with the bats is expertly done, and the filmmakers manage to create some genuinely terrifying moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

In conclusion, Vampire Bats is an enjoyable and unique take on the classic vampire horror trope. It's not the most groundbreaking of movies, but it's a definite must-watch for horror fans who enjoy a good scare. The film's pacing, cinematography, and performances all work together to create a thrilling and suspenseful viewing experience.

Vampire Bats is a 2005 horror movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2.