(1971)1.5Donald GuariscoThis gonzo artifact from the grindhouse era isn't for every taste, but it certainly lives up to the promise of its grisly title. I Drink Your Blood is riddled with the kind of problems that will keep those not fond of exploitation fare at bay: the characterizations are thin and often inconsistent, the acting ranges from over-the-top to wooden, and the dialogue is often smirk-inducing. However, the film manages to overcome these flaws (at least for grindhouse buffs) through its sheer desire to deliver the exploitative goods. Writer/director David Durston's "Manson family meets Night of The Living Dead" premise is wild enough to capture the imagination and he keeps the gruesome events rolling at a snappy pace. Most importantly for this type of film, he never shies away from ladling on the gore: there are plenty of gruesome shocks throughout the film, culminating in a strong final half-hour that paints the screen red. In the end, I Drink Your Blood is too demented and rough-edged for the casual viewer, but it will delight horror fans with a sweet tooth for schlock.
