Day Shift
review by Bobby Blakey
The world of vampires is easily one of the most popular horror genres out there, but sadly more often than not they just aren’t all that great. Every so often one comes along that brings big potential to do something fun and different. The latest Day Shift starring Jamie Fox looks to dive in head first into the fun action chaos of it all and features a great supporting cast including Snoop Dogg, Dave Franco, Scott Adkins, Steve Howey, and Meagan Good from Samaritan, John Wick and Expendables stunt man J. J. Perry making his directorial debut. Could this latest trek into the world of the undead deliver or will it get staked too soon?
Day Shift follows a hard working blue collar dad who just wants to provide a good life for his quick-witted daughter, but his mundane San Fernando Valley pool cleaning job is a front for his real source of income, hunting and killing vampires as part of an international Union of vampire hunters.
Netflix has been bringing some fun flicks, but more often than not you can see why the film is on Netflix. This is one of those that would have no doubt been a hit on the big screen as well because it checks all the boxes needed to make for a great action flick. Just because of the vampire aspect don’t expect horror flick as this is a full on action flick and works on pretty much every level knowing exactly the kind of fun flick it set out to deliver.
Right out the gate it wastes no time bringing the pain with Foxx’s first hunt of the film and it is all kinds of awesome. It not only sets the tone to the overall flick, but also is just the first glimpse of the badass action to come. The film is filled with so many great action sequences showcasing creative kills and excellent choreography across the board. One sequence particular brings in the Nazarian brothers played by Howey and Adkins. They kick some major ass and my favorite Adkins gets to shine doing what he does. I really think we need a spin-off with these two guys ASAP.
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Foxx carries the flick bringing his usual swag that is perfect here along with carrying the action like he has proven numerous times in the past. His awkward partnership with Franco is fun to watch and brings a buddy action vibe to the flick that gets better with every minute they are together. Snoop Dogg isn’t here near as much as I would have liked, but he gets plenty of time to shine and get in on the action. This is a different kind of role for him and he looks to be having a blast getting to be an action star.
The film is filled with plenty of variety of vampires and laughs, but the action is front and center. There is no shortage of blood, bullets, and fangs from beginning to end that will no doubt entertain fans of vamps and action. Netflix has a good flick to kick off a franchise and I hope this is just the beginning of working the Day Shift.
Check out Day Shift streaming now exclusively on Netflix.