Review(s): DVD Van Helsing - Ultimate Edition (Dracula/Frankenstein/The Wolf Man)
Not what I was expecting...
The previews really hyped me up for what I thought was going to be this summer's blockbuster hit, similar in scope to the "X-Men" franchise. Essentially what was given was "The Mummy", but set in Transylvania with Dracula as the main villain as opposed to the mummy. You could pretty much trade the heroes and not see much of a difference in character, and like "The Mummy", "Van Helsing" was filled with great action scenes, cheesy lines and numerous plot holes. I think the one that killed me (warning: SPOILER AHEAD!) was the whole Gabriel reference. So was Van Helsing actually and arch angel reborn near the end of the 19th Century? Unfortunately, the movie ends while leaving this question unanswered/unexplained, so I'm sure a sequel will be in the works. I honestly far preferred the Van Helsing described in "Bram Stoker's Dracula", a learned scholar who hunted the undead as opposed to an unknowing, brawny adventurer who doesn't know the first thing about vampires. The special effects were great, mixing in the familiar cheesiness with in-your-face CGI, thus making it one of the movie's strong points. I was impressed by the werewolf transformation, but I have to admit that the death of Dracula was severely lacking. To sum it up, see this movie for what it is: cheesy, loud, high action that won't make you think, and you won't be disappointed.
Classic Horror Comes of Age
Hugh Jackman takes the title role in this horror / action flick about Vampires, Werewolves and Frankenstein's monster, in an excellent recreation of 1880's Transylvania. I had my doubts as to just how all three legendary monsters would be incorporated into a single story, but the end result is very cleverly handled, written and directed. Making this kind of movie believable should never be the director's aim (considering the subject matter) but making it plausible should be, and one or two minor grumbles aside, Stephen Sommer's has done an excellent job in my opinion. Remaining true to many aspects of the original horror flicks of the 30's, but bringing a 21st century flavor, with some magnificent set design, and truly suspenseful sequences all add to the feel of the picture. The acting performances are strong, not only from Jackman, whose character is given a mysterious edge almost as strange as his quarry, but also Richard Roxburgh who is deliciously evil as the malevolent Count, and Kate Beckinsale as the heroine. Some clever comic relief from David Wenham as the knowledgeable bookworm friar, who accompanies Van Helsing on his mission, blends well with a very fast paced, and action packed story, and all the other performances are better than average. At 2hr and 25minutes this is not a short picture, but races along at such a speed, the viewer could be forgiven for thinking it was about 90 minutes. Some scary moments, and even scarier monsters (albeit CGI) ensure the R rating, but otherwise this is NOT a blood fest, or overly gory horror picture, and constantly remains faithful to the fantastical elements of the classic horror genre. I quickly forgave the unlikely portrayal of the hero's being able to take unbelievable physical punishment, and liked but felt the 007 style equipment lab a little misplaced at the beginning of the picture. These two minor points aside, this is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining movie. I gave it 5 stars as I couldn't give it 4.5. Great Fun!
It's cool.. if you like all that stuff of vampires
i think thats is a great movie. the people who likes to see movies like "queen of the damned" and that kind of stuff you will love it but isn't similar. when i saw it i fell in love with that movie. but you have to watch it and understand it.
Related DVD's Van Helsing - Ultimate Edition (Dracula/Frankenstein/The Wolf Man)
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