The M.O.W.'s Movie Review of Van Helsing

Almost perfect horror film /w a hint of James Bond
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/01/08

"Van Helsing" is a retelling of the famed vampire hunter of the Bram Stoker novel "Dracula". However, it is more an action-adventure than a horror movie.

Hugh Jackman plays the title character, who works for the Catholic church in this story, and is very impressive in the role. In fact, the entire cast is impressive -- some more than others however. Kate Beckinsale does another impressive performance which stands out in the movie, and is a great confidant to Jackman's "Van Helsing." Other actors do a very good performance of their roles, however they are not well defined -- a weakness of this movie.

One strong point in this film is the CGI. If you know what to look for, you will be able to pick up what is computer-generated and what isn't. The CGI aids in the scenery, which probably worked better on the movie screen than it did on cable television.

Two points that weaken this movie is the pacing of some sceenes, and character development. Many of the sceenes lag and lag, which slows the pace down during the wrong parts of the movie. The movie also relies of the known histories of "Van Helsing," "Dracula," the "Frankenstein Monster" (which is mistaken as "Frankenstein" in this film, which is the most common mistake made on the character) and the "Wolfman."

Although not well defined characters in the movie, "Dracula's Brides" were really fun to watch. They were cocky and arrogant, yet sexy and seductive. The last "bride" to be killed in this movie has very expressive eyes that just jump off the screen and help enhanse her performance.

"The Monster" (Shuler Hensley) is too human in this movie, and not child-like like the way Boris Koloff portrayed the character decades ago, but is likeable. "Count Dracula" (Richard Roxburgh) is not the cold-blooded blood-sucker as seen in previous versions of Bram Stoker's most famous creation. The "Wolfmen" are obviously CGI, and are programmed performances.

Like I said earlier, the CGI is incredible. And the scenes where human actors perform against CGI characters are edited together quite nicely into the scenes in which they interact.

Early in the movie there is a scene in which appears to be right out of a "James Bond" movie. There are other parts of the movie that are just as enjoyable.

In my opinion, "Van Helsing" is not perfect -- but it's very close. If you like action-adventure, this would be a pretty good rental. Just do not expect a horror movie, because it seems those behind-the-scenes forgot that point considering who the characters are in the movie.

I would recommend you check this out at your local video rental store as a definite second choice if your first choice is not available.