October 31, 1995 -- ``Vampire in Brooklyn,'' is a real waste of talent. Eddie Murphy, who achieved stardom in ``Beverly Hills Cop'' as a smooth-talking funny man, here plays a ruthless and evil vampire.

Angela Bassett, who was fabulous as Tina Turner in ``What's Love Got to Do With It,'' gives a heroic performance in this film despite a very bad script. You can see her straining to squeeze some meaning and dignity out of her character.

Murphy does a pretty good job in several roles, including that of a minister, who preaches a sermon that evil is good. Allen Payne also does a good job as Angela Bassett's cop partner. John Witherspoon does a very funny turn as Murphy's landlord.

Acting is not the problem with this film. The problem is that the screenwriters, Charles Murphy, Michael Lucker and Chris Parker seemed confused about how to combine the elements of a love story, a horror story and a comedy. I don't know if it is possible successfully combine those disparate elements, but it sure didn't work here.

Eddie Murphy is a talented actor, but his career is in dire need of an overhaul. This was another breakdown. The film is directed by horror film specialist Wes Craven (``Nightmare on Elm Street'' and ``Shocker''). Craven's career isn't looking too bright, either.

If you want a film that successfully combines horror and comedy, try renting ``Fright Night'' or ``An American Werewolf in London.'' This film rates a C-.

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