Unfortunately, I have fonder memories of Blade II than the reality of how it holds up today. I’m sorry to say that even with Guillermo Del Toro involved, Blade II isn’t as strong an entry as I remember it. The first Blade is so good (especially in comparison) that the sequel just can’t match it. That’s not to say that Blade II isn’t a lot of fun. It totally is and there’s some great moments and ideas here. It’s just that the sum is less than the parts in a lot of cases.
First of all, the CG is pretty shaky in places. It’s also more obvious than ever when Wesley Snipes’ stuntman or stand-in is on screen instead of him. There’s a jokiness about Blade that falls flat where his more ridiculous seriousness from the first film would have been better to provide the comic relief. Also, the story is surprisingly weak in places, with unsound logic and things that absolutely should have been explained (like why Whistler’s not dead) being completely ignored.
Snipes is still solid as Blade though Kris Kristofferson actually steals many of the best scenes. Regardless of it not making much sense, I’m glad they brought him back. The film is better for it. Ron Perlman is great as usual and it was fun to see Norman Reedus (whom everyone knows as Daryl from The Walking Dead these days) with a much younger looking face. The infected vampire creature effects are top notch also (which Del Toro has now perfected in The Strain TV series). Not as good as the first and frankly, should be eve better with Del Toro involved, but overall Blade II isn’t bad and actually pretty fun at times.