’m going to be straightforward and tell you that this flick isn’t for everyone.
A comedic horror flick centered on vampires is a hard sell on a good day.
And, honestly, that explains why Netflix debuted “Day Shift” last weekend rather than risk it in theaters.
However, if you’re a fan of movies like “Shaun of the Dead,” “R.I.P.D.,” and “Fright Night” then you’ll manage this one just fine.
Personally, I enjoyed all of the other vampire pop culture references and nods along with the infusion of comedy.
Day Shift is a vampire film directed by J.J. Perry in his directorial debut, with a screenplay by Tyler Tice and Shay Hatten, based on a story by Tice.
The film stars Jamie Foxx, Dave Franco, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Meagan Good, Karla Souza, Steve Howey, Scott Adkins, and Snoop Dogg.
Clocking in at 114 minutes long, the movie is also rated R for strong violence and gore, and language.
Bud Jablonski (Foxx) is working as a pool cleaner during the day while also trying to make ends meet for his family.
When the coast is clear at the pool, Bud breaks into a nearby house and confronts two vampires - an elderly woman and a younger man - that live there.
After a lengthy fight, he kills the vampires and extracts their teeth.
Bud’s real job is to hunt and kill vampires and their teeth are sold for a paycheck with the teeth of older vampires, called “Elders,” commanding a higher pay-out.
Bud tries to sell the teeth to Troy (Stormare) at the pawnshop, but the prices offered are low and do not help him with his money troubles.
Bud badly needs the money as his ex-wife is planning to move to Florida with his daughter as her private school fees are too high.
To pay the school bills and also to fund braces for his daughter, Bud is forced to go back to the vampire hunting union.
He had been kicked out off because of his risky and aggressive hunting style that contravened many of the union’s protocols.
With the help of his friend John Elliot (Dogg) who is well respected within the union, Bud gets another chance at the union, under strict conditions.
He is forced to only work the day shift which does not pay as much and he also must be babysat by a union rep Seth (Franco), who is tasked to look for any violations committed by Bud and report them.
Meanwhile, female vampire Audrey San Fernando (Souza) finds the vampires that Bud killed and mourns the death of the older vampire.
In her search for Bud, she finds Troy and then tortures, interrogates, and kills him.
She reveals that humans used to worship vampires as gods before the humans turned on them and that she has plans to recreate that old hierarchy again.
Meanwhile, Bud goes around killing vampires with Seth to earn the money he needs.
Despite violating several protocols, Seth does not report Bud after learning of his aim to support his family with his earnings.
Still, being the perpetual good guy isn’t going to fully save Seth – but, you’ll have to watch the film to find out what happens.
If you’re looking for a decent laugh and not squeamish when it comes to vampire killing, this is definitely the film for you!
