The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (2008) (TV)

Director: Jonathan Frakes

Cast: Noah Wyle as Flynn Carsen, Bruce Davison as Professor Lazlo / Vlad, Stana Katic as Simone Renoir, Bob Newhart as Judson, Jane Curtin as Charlene, Dikran Tulaine as Sergei Kubichek, Jason Douglas as Ivan, Beth Burvant as Katie, Joe Knezevich as Mason, David Born as Auctioneer, Joe Ross as Mr. Percy, John Curran as Clerk, Connor Hill as Young Judson (as Conner Hill), Aimee Spring Fortier as Student #1, Todd Voltz as Student #2

The directing/writing team of Jonathan Frakes and Marco Schnabel are
back for another movie in the series.

They open with a James Bond tribute. Our little nerd (Noah Wylie) has
certainly come a long way. He is no longer a nerd, and has developed an
amazing capability with a sword as displayed in a fight with an ex-KGB
agent (Dikran Tulaine), who wants to restore Russia to its former
glory.

His plan is to restore none other than Dracula, who will lead an army
of vampires. With the success of "True Blood" and Twilight, a vampire
story is expected, and it really made things exciting. Our villain has
the body of Vlad the Impaler, and now all he needs in the chalice made
out of the 30 pieces of silver given to Judas (The first I have heard
of that!) But, Flynn Carsen (Wylie) is burned out. It is up to Jane
Curtin, in a much meatier role, to get him started. But it is a dream
sequence with Croation Stana Katic (Quantum of Solace) that gets him
moving. What? No English heroine? Not appropriate in a movie involving
vampires, you see.

With vampires, the movie is a bit more exciting and the special effects
are ramped up. It is set in new Orleans and that is always a plus for
the atmosphere and the music.

Oscar nominee Bruce Davison (Longtime Companion, Short Cuts) gives an
impressive performance.

We get the expected ending, and are left wondering if this franchise
has burned itself out, or if we will see our hero again two years from
now.