Movie Review :: Van Helsing

Movie Review :: Van Helsing
Posted :: May 19, 2004 by Haggs

Movie :: Van Helsing
Director :: Stephen Sommers
Starring :: Hugh Jackman
Rating :: 3/10

The film opens with a rather cheesy black and white scene with townsfolk, torches and pitchfork in hand, marching toward Castle Frankenstein. The camera then shows Doctor Frankenstein, his monster, Igor, and Count Dracula himself. At first I had hoped that the cheesiness of this black and white seen would fade when the film eventually turned to color, but I was disappointed. Things happen very predictably throughout Van Helsing, and scary scenes are almost comical. Characters constantly find themselves trapped at a cliff’s edge, conveniently smashing through the right window at the right time, and delivering lines of cliché. Toss in a sappy love story and you have everything you need. If you're looking for a mindless film that offers lots of cheesy action, predictability, and bad physics, then Van Helsing is a good choice. It would be fun to see with a crowd that enjoys commenting on movies (Mystery Science Theater 3000 style), or a crew that wants to turn their brains off for a couple hours after a stressful day. It can probably be best thought of as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen for the classic horror tales.

Hugh Jackman is Van Helsing

The lovely Kate Beckinsale as Anna Valerious. Van Helsing vows to assist her in the killing of Count Dracula and becomes quite fond of her throughout the film.

Richard Roxburgh as Count Vladislaus Dracula, Van Helsing's most powerful opponent.

Note: If you like animé, go see the 13 episode Hellsing series instead. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

All photos for this article © Copyright Universal Studios