Vampires vs. the Bronx

Plot

While getting her nails done, new resident Vivian learns that salon owner Becky is selling to Murnau Properties, a real estate group buying land in the neighborhood. After Vivian leaves, Murnau broker Frank Polidori watches a vampire kill Becky. Miguel Martinez organizes a block party to raise money for the Primo bodega, threatened with closure, joined by best friends Bobby and Luis. Miguel worries about gentrification.

While hanging posters, he is chased by Slim, a gang member, who is killed by a vampire. Miguel hides at Tony's bodega with Bobby and Luis; they notice the vampire casts no reflection. The next day, they watch Blade and research vampire lore. They visit a Murnau office; Frank threatens them, saying they could vanish unnoticed.

The boys steal a file containing a USB drive with vampire nest plans and a skeleton-shaped key. They break into the courthouse nest; Miguel films himself opening a coffin, but the video shows only an empty coffin. He challenges Frank to step into sunlight; Frank does so, revealing himself as a human servant, and demands the file back. Frank hires Henny's gang to hunt the trio.

Production

By August 2018, cameras were already rolling on Vampires vs. the Bronx, a Universal Pictures film written and directed by Osmany Rodriguez. Broadway Video and Caviar produced the project, with Lorne Michaels, Erin David, Bert Hamelinck, and Michael Sagol expected to serve as executive producers. The announced cast included Sarah Gadon, Chris Redd, The Kid Mero, Method Man, Shea Whigham, Vladimir Caamaño, Jaden Michael, Gregory Diaz IV, Gerald W. Jones III, and Coco Jones.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave the film an approval rating with an average score, and the consensus says the sharp, socially conscious blend of comedy and horror makes the audience the winner. Metacritic reports a score of 76 out of 100 from five reviews, meaning generally favorable reception. Nick Allen of RogerEbert.com rated it 3 out of 4, praising its agility, charm, and humor. Felix Vasquez Jr. described it as a fun, creepy, and exciting Halloween treat that avoids the tired vampire formula for something original. Roger Moore of Movie Nation called the gentrification commentary inspired.