KINGDOM OF THE VAMPIRE is one of many shot-on-video indie horrors that director J.R. Bookwalter made during the 1980s and 1990s. This one has a mildly diverting plot involving a momma's boy who just so happens to have a vampire for his overbearing mother. At one point in the film, she goes mad on Halloween night and munches on a handful of trick or treaters unlucky enough to call at her door. The film looks very cheap and those horrendous shell suits and mullet hairdos don't do much to help that. It's a shame that the poor execution and rough edges spoil what could have been a diverting movie.

KINGDOM OF THE VAMPIRE is a distinct improvement over Bookwalter's first feature, THE DEAD NEXT DOOR: this time around, he seems to have a much firmer grasp of the techniques of visual storytelling. There are also a couple of outstanding performances in front of the camera worthy of note- in particular, Cherie Patry, who does a great over-the-top turn as Moms, and Tom Stephans, who plays the sheriff. I cite both because their performances lend KINGDOM OF THE VAMPIRE that little something extra that can only come from seasoned players at the top of their game. Bookwalter's guidance may be surer this time around, but it's his stars who carry the day. Overall, a no-budget movie of merit.

For those bored enough to find this film on IMDb, let me tell you something: stay away from this movie. This is among the many movies that are not worth your time. Maybe if you like really lame, and I mean exceptionally lame, horror movies, then be my guest and watch. I would go into more detail, but 1000 words are not enough to express everything wrong with this movie. I only know how bad it is from multiple viewings. "Why multiple viewings?" you may ask. Well, I own the movie. I own it because I was in it. I played Micheal, the trick-or-treater dressed up like Robot Ninja who gets killed. I'm not saying the movie ruined my life. I'm just trying to warn others from wasting their time and money. But I don't think it's even in print anymore so this entire message may be pointless. Just stay away from the movie. I give the movie a 0 out of 10.

As a BIG fan of Tempe Entertainment / J.R. Bookwalter, when I heard Kingdom of the Vampire, a long Out of Print movie, was being Re-released, I ran to get a Money Order.When it came in the mail, I was so excited. As I was watching it, the thought occurred to me: J.R. Bookwalter is simply a genius. In about a Month, he can put together a movie like this.Kingdom of the Vampire has all the necessary B - Rated classics: Wavy acting, Great Music, Blood Blood Blood, and, who can forget, a rushed script that some how works perfectly.NOTE: If you intend to take this movie seriously like a John Carpenter flick....forget it! This is a Tempe Production. Tempe Movies are all about Black Humor, Gore, and Memorable Special Make-up effects (Skinned Alive).My Final Rating: 8.5 out of 10People who are interested in or have seen this movie should check out other Tempe Flicks like: Skinned Alive (My personal favorite), Robot Ninja, The Dead Next Door, Galaxy of the Dinosaurs, Zombie Cop, Townies (my other Favorite), The Sandman, and Ghoul School, as well as many others. For recommendations on other titles, please check the other movies I have commented on by clicking on my name above this review section.