Witchblade (2000 TV Movie) User Reviews

Pretty awful

[MovieAddict2016 · 4/10 · 12 December 2005]

This was a made-for-TV movie a few years back when comic book adaptations were just starting to make a name for themselves with films such as "X-Men" raking in all the cash at the box office. Unfortunately "Witchblade" is just another cash-in and not at all unique - it is supposedly based on a comic book of the same name, but in all actuality, it's just plain lame. (Hey, that rhymed!) Yancy Butler plays the lead character - a woman who inadvertently stumbles upon a magic "blade" that gives her superpowers to battle evildoers. Enter the Bad Guy Who Wants to Dominate the Earth and other comic book clichés - all in all it's pretty terrible.

The acting isn't completely atrocious but it leaves a lot to be desired. The direction is poor and typically made-for-TV in style; however it's the script that is particularly bad - annoying, banal, and packed with really bad dialogue.

The fact that this "film" spawned a TV series is kind of surprising because it is basically just a poor cash-in on a rather obscure comic book that I had never even heard of. (But then again, I don't read comics.) View at your own peril.

Okay introduction episode for a TV show.

[tomimt · 6/10 · 6 February 2007]

Young New York detective Sara Pezzini (Yancy Butler) is a chosen one. Clichéd, but true. In a pursuit of finding a murderer of her best childhood friend Sara gains a mystical amulet called the Witchblade, which has a ability of protecting her and arming her with a huge blade. At the same time a mysterious man is deeply interested about all this.

"Witchblade" is a TV movie based on a comic book by same name. As for TV movies go, Withcblade is actually quite enjoyable, though the smaller budget does show albeit the actors do carry the cliché ridden story quite well. This movie apparently was an introductory for a TV series with the same name and cast and that actually does show. It basically introduces all the characters and ends into a notion, that this all will continue and apparently it did.

This movie has some rather silly cuts and segments in it, like from some reason, probably just to add some more length into it, there are couple of short clips of Sara's untextured 3D model running. And some rather annoying music video style cuts and segments and a very, very silly training montage. I could go on and on, but I wont.

When you look under the bottom line, you'll get okay TV action movie. The script, even though not stellar, does work reasonably well, the actors are okay and the action is entertaining enough. And from a TV-series promo it's actually hard to ask anything more.

Witchblade to Dreamless

[JessicaHill · 5/10 · 21 April 2008]

Let me start out by saying that this series started out okay. I thought as the episodes progressed the show got stupider and stupider, such as the everything's a dream bit. I can't say I cared too much for the cast minus Yancy Butler who I thought was fantastic and Anthony Cistaro who pulled off playing a cold, intelligent Nazi was brilliant. It's not that the rest of the cast was over the top bad. They just never got their chance to expand too heavily. Hopefully the film will be better. I hope they go with an all new cast.

I also read about Eric Etebari's (who played Nottingham) film called "The Dreamless" which stars Eric Etebari, Anthony Cistaro, David Chokachi and Lazar Rockwood. Aside from starring as the lead actor, Eric is also producing. This seems far coincidental to me as it definitely seems like Eric is pulling all the strings on this film and got his buddies to act in it as well.

Loved it!

[viv229 · 18 December 2007]

I totally disagree with the above comment. I LOVED the show and this TV series should be out on DVD! A shame really that the show was canceled due to one of the actor's alcoholism. I think the show had a really good premise; there were strong characters; and also a strong female lead. Its been 5 or 6 years since I last saw the show. I just wanted to say how I really hope this TV series gets put on DVD because I would buy it; and so would hundreds of other people; see Amazon.com customer reviews for Witchblade. Please put onto DVD. I think whoever gets this onto DVD would find that there are quite a few people who have been touched by the show and would love to be able to re-watch it.

Another Disappointing Comic Book Adaptation

[jmaruyama · 3/10 · 28 August 2000]

Movies based on Comic Book adaptations seem to come in two categories: 1) Those that approach the material with a half-hearted, tongue-n-cheek attitude; not really taking the genre very seriously (Batman & Robin, Supergirl, Spawn) and 2) Those that approach the material with a serious, realistic and dark approach (X-Men, Rocketeer, & the Shadow). TNT's adaptation of the Image/Top Cow comic Witchblade falls into the later category. However, in deciding to strip down Witchblade and make it more realistic and non-comic like, TNT has come up with a movie that fails to interest those new to the series and appease those expecting the same type of dark story telling of creator's Marc Silvestri and David Wohl. Although Yancy Butler fills "the glove" well, she doesn't really bring anything new to the character. The story is tired, and disappointingly mundane. The gangster storyline seems a ripoff of so many other Cop vs. Mafia themed stories. The action sequences are particularly boring. Aren't we all tired of the rip-off Matrix effects by now. Witchblade is a surprisingly lackluster pilot and does not really inspire non-fans of the comic, like myself, from wanting to pick up any current issues or tune into any future episodes of the cable series.

Not the comic! - and even without the comic, just don't watch it

[Robin_Maybor · 1/10 · 3 September 2004]

Hmmm... For a start, the movie and the series are in no way connected to the comic except for the names. Other storyline, different behaviour and a completely different background for the Witchblade itself. If you are looking for a good comic adaption, then for crying out loud do not watch this movie or the series - it has nothing to do with the comic. Hardest knock-out hit is Ian Nottingham, as European guy in nerd outfits - please, no!

Second, lets talk about the movie / TV-Series. The characters are played in a wooden manner, Sarah Pezzini is at no time believable. The blade itself is displayed as a plastic armor with a build in sword extension, end except for the defensive capabilities, you will not even guess, what all the fuss is about.

For people who know and love the comic, i would say it is a 1 / 10, for those who do not know it, you might give a 2 / 10 if you are having a good day and are in a forgiving mood. Best recommendation for you that i can give - DO NOT WATCH IT AND WASTE YOUR TIME!!!

A Good Entertainment

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 9 July 2003]

Sara Pezzini (the beautiful Yancy Butler) is a New York cop suffering from the loss of her father and best girlfriend. They both were killed by the gangster Gallo (Conrad Dunn). However, there is no evidence to prove that Gallo killed them, and Sara, with his colleague Danny Woo (Will Yun Lee), are on his tail. One day, after chasing Gallo's gang, Sara has a shooting in a Museum and a metallic glove weapon 'catches' her wrist, turns into a magic sword and protects her from the bullets and kills three bad guys. Along the story, she will learn how to control the power of this weapon and will become aware of many facts related to her family and origin.

I am not familiarized with the character of Witchblade. I did not even know that it is a comic book. But this television movie is really a good entertainment and very above the average, a kind of dark story, with reasonable effects, an excellent soundtrack and camera movements in the action scenes like in a video clip. Yancy Butler is a very fragile and confused character with impressive eyes. The screenplay blends a police story, with action, magic and supernatural. Indeed an enjoyable entertainment. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Witchblade"

There are better films to be watched.

[Infiniti-5 · 1/10 · 27 August 2000]

Although the movie had premise, I believe it ultimately failed as a great film because of the limitations of a TV movie. Good points include the visuals that paint a vivid, believable setting; the original camera angles, and the flow of the plot. However, the acting left a bit to be desired, and the action is truly laughable, without flash or style. The script is littered with corny one-liners and poor dialogue that sounds like it was written by an elementary school student. When it seems like a mystery is about to be unraveled, you realize that you had already seen it coming a trailer away. In fact, that nearly sums up the entire movie. Nearly any 60 seconds of the movie could easily be turned into a trailer. And once all of the rapid camera cuts and cheesy action/plot/dialogue is done with, the ending simply disappoints. While starting out with promise, everything past the first forty-five minutes seem incredibly rushed, and fails to leave any good images behind. If you've seen the trailer, just keep watching it and you won't end up disliking the movie as much as I now do.

Great adaptation of the comic.

[imdb_topdog · 9/10 · 17 April 2006]

The guy who posted the first comments must have been unaware that the Witchblade Pilot was in the can before the premier of the Matrix. He should have read the comics which were written YEARS before the Matrix before he made his ludicrous comments.

This series was an action packed foray through history and lore as we watch Sara learn to use the powers of the Witchblade in her police work.

Yancy Butler does a great job in portraying the reluctant detective that finds herself bound to the mystical Witchblade... a weapon that can be wielded only by a woman of the artifact's choosing. She can see the past, future and the dead. These abilities to see reality from beyond the scope of normal perception can aide her if she can clear her mind of confusion long enough for her to utilize them.

cool, stylish comic book adventure

[Dr.X · 7/10 · 22 November 2000]

Watching this made me feel like I was a twelve year old who had fallen asleep after a lazy afternoon of reading comic books and had a really cool dream about a gorgeous swashbuckling heroine. The atmospheric photography and transitions and Yancy Butler's eyes slowly became intoxicating. The plot won't hold up to scrutiny and this obviously isn't Academy Award material, but I didn't mind. I wasn't expecting Shakespeare and this was a fun way to spend 90 minutes.

Previews were the best part

[broadwaylover · 2/10 · 30 May 2001]

The previews on TV made the movie look good, but it sucked. The first hour and a half was boring. Then there were about 15 good minutes and then the ending was pathetic. If the show is anything like the movie, it won't last the first season.

A lot better than the rating reflects

[rschwieb · 8/10 · 3 February 2002]

My theory on this low rating is that comic book fans rebelled against this excellent adaptation of their scantily clad comic heroine in the most vehement way possible, a rating of 1. The movie was very interesting, and well acted. I like the image they give S.P. and the Witchblade better than the impression I get from the comic. That impression is, as someone mentioned earlier, that the comic company's strategy has seemed to slip into relying on the 'bimbo effect'. Witchblade is a great choice of a movie, imo it lies solidly in the 8-9 range.

Faithful to the Comic

[Slicer-2 · 7/10 · 5 September 2000]

Pretty faithful rendition to the comic book. Yancy is well cast as Sara. This is supposed to be a pilot so it would be a shame not to have her as Sara on weekly basis. She is both hard as nails and yet soft and vulnerable. The effects we pretty good but a little too much use of the quick cut. I want MORE Witchblade and more Yancy!!

Lame, even for TV.

[Humppe · 2/10 · 1 February 2007]

Made in 2000, Witchblade is a cheap TV-production trying to ride on the crest of the wave of comic book-related pictures.

Shortly, the plot line is this: Bitter police woman chases down very, very evil man who killed her father with the help of Joan of Arc's magic glove, that works more or less like Neo combined with Robocop. Well, that's about all you need to know.

Sadly, the film has very little to do with the actual comic book and you wonder how the publisher ever gave an OK to this script. It is predictable, flat, naive and seems conjured by a 14-year old boy.

"Starring" are a team of B-actors from the world of television. The role of police detective Sara Pezzini is played by Yancy Butler, who later went on to star in the disastrous TV-show of Witchblade, and has since been struggling for silver screen roles. Butler does the most of the horribly flat part, but it is not enough. A corny role like this requires an up yours-attitude and a wink towards the audience, and Butler simply does not deliver. Flanked by no-name TV personalities such as Anthony Cistaro and Conrad Dunn as a freakishly over acted bad guy she gets no help from her colleagues. Only Will Yun Lee as her partner has any craftsmanship as far as acting goes to offer.

The FX are cheap and out of place, the Witchblade itself is a disastrous piece of prop and the fight scenes are awkward.

One point comes from the fact that Yancy Butler actually does some effort to keep the film afloat, the second point is for some nice camera moves.

yancy butler blows angelina jolie away

[jnor · 1 December 2002]

this 2 hour tele-film is better than most big-hollywood action films. it is very epical. the effects arent all that bad and the acting is very good. YANCY BUTLER is the sexiest woman alive. her acting is much better than angelina jolie who played a similar role in tomb raider. her eyes reflect so many emotions that many actors have to express in paragraphs. if you are going to watch one film in your life make it witchblade.

horrible cgi even for its time

[danieldwilkinson · 2/10 · 24 February 2023]

So i think i tried watching this several times, but kept falling off and restarting. Finally one day i decided to truly see if i like it and even though this was from 2001 and based on the comic it didnt really give me much comic book vibes, and on top of that i personally thought what the witch blade is was ridiculous. Some weird knights armor for the arm which sometimes gives glimpses of her as a knight..? WITCH blade. She should be a witch. Anyway i gave it like 8 episodes and quit. I am honestly surprised with how much praise this show gets compared to much better shows around this time...

Hot sexy actress, interesting story, and cool visuals!

[RuckusX · 7/10 · 28 August 2000]

Well I saw this show last night, and I have not read a single issue of the comics- now I am kinda tempted to see if there are trade paperbacks of it out there! The story was very interesting, the plot was not hard to grasp, and Yancy Butler- YEOW! What a great pick- I mean she is a New Yorker so what a perfect choice to play a New York cop! The incidental characters were very eerie which helped give the show a greater depth of supernatural ambience. I am looking forward to seeing more episodes- this is a show that has great potential if TNT does not pull the plug early on it, like some shows of theirs in the past!

"Witchblade" entertains. Recommended

[blue hermit · 8/10 · 8 October 2002]

Not having read the comics, I watched this TV movie without expectations. I wasn't disappointed. "Witchblade" is original and very atmospheric.

The action takes place in an urban sprawl said to be New York, but a New York shrouded in an occult gloom. The director Ralph Hemecker, and Z D Zeik who has the writing credit for the movie, have blended a police action theme with the supernatural. What they've created involves and fascinates.

I think "Witchblade" gains a lot from a superior cast. Based on the end result, the obviously hot casting team of Gerussi, Mariano and Miller deserved a bonus when it was in the can. For a start, Yancy Butler is a captivating and lethal Sara Pezzini. I certainly didn't see Sara Pezzini on the horizon when, years ago, I watched a waif of an actress doing her best with Natasha Binder in "Hard Target" (1993). The clue is in the eyes. Man, those eyes!

Anthony Cistaro is brilliant as the morally ambivalent, super rich tycoon, Kenneth Irons. A man so unsatisfied by his power and riches in this world that he wants influence and opportunity in the dimension of the Witchblade.

Ian Nottingham is a great character. His lurking about and obscure relationship with Kenneth Irons had me guessing at times. I don't recall seeing any previous appearances by Eric Etebari, but I'd be happy to see more of his work. The same can be said of Will Yun Lee, David Chokachi, Kenneth Welsh and George Jenesky; not a born spear carrier among them.

This is TV film making strong enough to stand on its own. A thoroughly professional effort. I hope Marc Silvestri was equally pleased with the filming of his work.

"Witchblade" entertains. Recommended.

A good start, but a little rough

[Cameron-10 · 7/10 · 28 August 2000]

The show is enjoyable and has a lot of potential to be a good series. If they focus more on the characters and less on the special effects, it could last a long time. I am looking forward to see if it gets picked up for production.

This show must be renewed!

[ianrashidone1 · 10/10 · 30 September 2003]

This is a show that should be renewed and brought back. I never read the Witchblade comics related to this show. After watching just a few episodes I started purchasing them. I have found that I enjoyed the TV version of the Witchblade much better. I am glad that they did not portray Sara Pezzine as in the comics. The same goes for Kenneth Irons. The actors and actress that played the characters did a great job. I loved watching Eric Etebari as Ian Nottingham. He did a marvelous job portraying him and making him real. This show has a large fan base and we have requested that the show be either re-aired or renewed. If not it should be released on DVD and VHS.

Major disappointment

[Killer B-2 · 24 April 2001]

Let's see. The Witchblade is huge undulating tendrils in the comic. Here it's a wimpy little dagger thing that looks like it's made of plastic. Oooh it's so scary, NOT. And frankly, I don't think Yancy Butler is very pretty, nice figure though. She doesn't really look like Sara. She sort of tries to act like Sara. The guy who plays Ian Nottingham talks just like Ian Nottingham would, it's too bad he's this little guy with brown hair who looks nothing like the huge assassin with long black hair. That might be excusable, but where's the katana? His clothes are all wrong too. The plot goes nowhere fast and the action scenes have no tension whatsoever. This movie is like leftovers from a forgotten Steven Seagal flick. They had a small budget and man, does it show. As an action mystery show Witchblade is cliche and predictable (totally unlike the comic), as a comic book adaptation it's a joke. What makes Witchblade, the comic book, cool, is that weird things happen to seemingly normal people and you never know quite what to expect. Due to budgetary constraints, all that was eviscerated from this version and there isn't much left. In place of eerie paranormal investigations and mortal combat, we get a predictable who-dun-it. Well I think you get the point. It was better than Generation X, but lord, it wasn't good.

Saving Witchblade

[katclaws · 10/10 · 20 September 2003]

I cannot believe that TNT/TBS /WB blew it by cancelling Witchblade. This was a well-written thought provoking ORIGINAL dramatic series. Those of us who would rather not watch some of the new raunchy reality shows looked forward to something really different. The fans were left hanging with loose ends just waiting to be tied up by the promise of a 3rd Season.

We, fans, have been trying to get other networks to pick it up such as Oxygen, Spike TV, Trio or anyone who would love to have a series with high ratings and a ready-made huge fanbase (international as well. We have a petition of approx. 15,500 signatures to bring the series back, but TPTB are just sitting on it and letting the fans down.

At the very least fans would love is to see reruns or a DVD of season

1 & 2.

Witchblade ROCKS

[cgtwin11 · 10/10 · 30 December 2002]

This is an amazing show-- creative, intelligent, complex, and stirring, with an incredibly talented cast. It was a true shame that it was canceled and I only hope that some smart network will realize its worth and huge fan base and pick it up.

One of the biggest rip-offs of The Matrix I've ever seen...

[thediamonddogs · 5 June 2001]

Bullets that make ripples in the air as they fly, A mysterious man teaching the main character that 'they are the chosen one,' a final battle that takes place in a subway with the villain punching through concrete pillars. No, its not The Matrix, it's Witchblade. This movie was very boring, filled with incredibly cheesy moments and mediocre gun battles. This movie was such a rip-off, I was laughing throughout the entire movie. You might want to watch it just for the laughs.

Very entertaining and fun

[john-764 · 9/10 · 28 August 2000]

Although it seems like some of the holier-than-thou critics didn't like this one, I thought it was great! No, the acting isn't going to win any Oscars... but it was of good quality for TV. It had my friend and I glued to the TV watching it for two hours (that seems to fly by). I really hope this gets picked up as a Fall series. Passing this one by would be a huge mistake. If you missed it last night (premiere) be sure to catch it on an encore presentation on TNT.