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“Van Helsing - The vampire-hating Dutchman is back for...”

written by jabronibasher on 20/08/2004

Good Points
Non-stop action
Some nice effects

Bad Points
Cheesy dialogue
Less than average performances

General Comments
Van Helsing - The vampire-hating Dutchman is back for a rollercoaster ride of a film. Hugh Jackman fills the shoes of Gabrielle Van Helsing and does so pretty well in my opinion.



The opening sequence sees Helsing battle Mr. Hyde, and the sequence alone looked very promising as it thoroughly entertained us. Helsing later travels to Transylvania, and meets the not-so-lovely Anna Valerious, played by the lovely Kate Beckinsale. From then on, the dialogue gets cheesy and Beckinsale's Transylvanian accent is just plain silly. However, there were two characters of note: Richard Roxborough will send chills down your spine as Vladislaus Dracula, while David Wenham's (last seen as tough guy Faramir) character Carl will induce some laughs and believability.

The action, though plenty, is fantastical and over the top, and though it suits this type of film, it's done in a sometimes silly way. Watch as Beckinsale's character swings across a huge ravine only to land like she jumped off a foot stool.

Some of the later sequences between Helsing's werewolf character and Dracula are too fast and confusing. You'll find yourself squinting and before you know it, you'll have missed a good 15 minutes of crucial action.



Van Helsing is a fantastically quick and partially-enjoyable action flick that, despite it's cheesiness, is quite enjoyable. Forget the critics, if you like non-stop action and don't mind the dialogue and storyline (and ending) then you won't have a problem with this one. Otherwise, wait for the TV premiere. :)