The basic story has two criminals kidnapping a family and taking them south of the border. A trip to a sleazy Mexican club puts them in the company of vampires.

The film has some good dialogue. At one point a character asks, "Has anyone here read a real book?" A biker replies, "You mean like a Time-Life book?"

George Clooney, in a change of pace from his "ER" good guy doctor role, is riveting, and convincing, as a take charge bad guy. Based on the evidence here, Clooney should make a solid Batman. We'll see.

Quentin Tarentino plays one of the criminals. He also co-wrote the screenplay, with director Rodriguez. While he looks the part of a hair-trigger psycho, his character ultimately wear out his welcome.

Director Robert Rodriguez first came to fame with "El Mariachi" (1992), a debut feature he made for $7,000. It was later picked up by a major studio and given a big theatrical push.

My favorite scene involves a key showdown between our four heroes and an army of "Nosferatu" type vampire. The scene is wild, imaginative, bloody, and intense.

The vampire makeup, and morphing FX are quite good. A scene where a beautiful, buxom table dancer transforms into a hideous vampire is particularly well handled.

If you liked FROM DUSK TILL DAWN you may enjoy "El Mariachi," "Army of Darkness," and "Night of the Living Dead."