Van Helsing (2004) - DVD

During the late 19th century, famed monster hunter Dr. Gabriel Van Helsing heads to Eastern Europe to battle with Count Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein's Monster. By his side is the ravishing Anna, a member of a family committed to ridding the world of evil.


I give Van Helsing a solid 86%.

Ok, I have to admit, I like monster films. And my favorites are those that don't try to overtly gross you completely out and don't turn into a slasher horror flick. And Van Helsing succeeds in being one of my favorite all time "monster" films (I think Hellboy comes close though technically not monster flick but it really is). The monsters in this film have all the classic elements. Well, in fact, they are the classic monsters. Yet at the same time, they are brought back into the human world so easily. With suspension of disbelief, it starts to make sense... sort of... I know that sounds odd, but it does.

Now most people would tend to focus on Hugh Jackman in the lead role of Van Helsing. And he is the classic hero. However, I think I really like Richard Roxburgh's portrayal of Count Vladislaus Dracula. At times he is so over the top, but still, I love it. This is a cool Dracula. I know that some purists would disagree, but I don't care anyway. I like this Dracula anyway.

I also have to give honorable mention to David Wenham as Carl. Great character, great performance. And he gave the movie some of its more light and funny moments. And Kevin O'Connor as Igor was just creepy. Good call.

This is why I have to like this movie so much. It is not so dark as to leave you depressed for freaked out. Yet is a stunning swashbuckler as to draw you into the action. The novel weapons, the action hero, the hot girls... Yes this is definitely a guy movie, though I know women like to see Jackson. I can allow that.

My biggest disappointments were in the sequencing/timing of the film and the sometimes shallow dialogue. The film rushes through time to get from one thing to the next. While you don't want to drag things out, it makes everything seem rushed. And in general, the movie should have been a bit longer to allow some scenes to better materialize. As to the dialogue, enough said about that.

Some of my favorite quotes:

Count Vladislaus Dracula: Igor!
Igor: Yes, Master?
Count Vladislaus Dracula: Why do you torment that thing so?
Igor: It's what I do.

Anna Valerious: [while looking at the cure for the werewolf curse] Go ahead, grab it.
Carl: Why don't you go ahead and grab it? If there's one thing I've learned, it's never to stick your hand into a viscous material.

Carl: What are we doing here? Why is it so important to kill this Dracula anyway?
Van Helsing: Because he's the son of the devil.
Carl: I mean besides that.
Van Helsing: Because if we kill him, anything bitten by him or created will also die.
Carl: I mean besides that.

Igor: Please, don't kill me!
Van Helsing: Why not?
Igor: Well, uh...

Van Helsing: You're going to take them and lead them to the antidote.
Igor: No, I'm not!
[Van Helsing grabs Igor with his werewolf strength and throws him violently against the wall]
Igor: Yes, I am.