Van Helsing (2004) Single Disc Edition - Universal Pictures Video

Van Helsing

Van Helsing is an amazing film.The acting is amazing and Hugh Jackman brings the edge to this film.Special Effects are nail biting and a good storyline.The only let down is that the atmosphere in the film dosent feal that scary.But and amazing fantasy action film.

it's just a bit of fun

Gabriel Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman - X-Men 1-3 Box Set (6 Disc) [DVD] [2000]) turned up on the steps of the Vatican half dead and unable to remember his past, aside from the odd dream and nightmare. Since then he has become a hunter of abnormal and supernatural beings. He does this on behalf of the "Knights of the Holy Order", a secret organisation run by the Vatican.

After "dealing" with Mr Hyde he returns to Rome and is told that his next mission will be to go to Transylvania to assist the Valerious family in conquering Count Vladislaus Dracula (Richard Roxburgh - The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen - 2 disc Special Edition [DVD] [2003]). If they fail to destroy Dracula they will be cursed to never enter the gates of heaven.

Van Helsing takes with him a Friar called Carl (David Wenham - The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Extended Edition Box Set) [DVD]) who is the Order's version of Q, coming up with all of Van Helsing's gadgets, and the films comic relief.

Arriving in Transylvania they meet and team up with Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale - Underworld Trilogy [DVD] [2003]) and go in search of the way to beat Dracula.

The start of the film recreates the old black and white Frankenstein movies. Simon West's "It's alive" line was sublime for me (I am a fan of the old black and white horror films that I watched as a child). The Frankenstein monster is played by Shuler Hensley and Igor (Kevin J O'Connor - The Mummy [DVD] [1999]).

This is the usual fun film from Stephen Sommers, in the same vein as the The Mummy 1, 2 & 3 Steelbook Box Set [DVD] [1998], etc. It does not take itself too seriously. And there is Kate Beckinsale is there in tight pants for those who like her, and Hugh Jackman and David Wenham for the rest of us.

All in all it's a great family film - fun with scary bits.

Love Every Moment of it

Bought this DVD as I loved Van Helsing from the first moment I watched it on cinema. I highly recommend to those who are into the vampire sort of things like me. Absoulutely love Kate.

Dramatic, Gothic and Fun but......

I love vampire films, so I couldn't miss this one. However, after watching it, I have mixed feelings.

The fact that this film has a lot of characters; Dr Jeckle, Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula, Brides of Dracula, thousands of their off-spring and Werewolves, etc. (what else is in it?!) makes it interesting to watch. However, the full-on, non-stop action is a bit exhausting to say the least. It needed to slow down in order to get into the characters and the relationships, in other words, it needed more depth! Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) plays the same basic character as he did in the X-Men movies; the grumpy hero who saves the day. Kate Beckinsale just fell flat and there wasn't much chemistry between her and Jackman.

Out of the whole cast, Richard Roxburgh, who plays Dracula, did a bit better, because it's the first time I've seen Dracula look a pillock. For instance; walking up the wall and while giving a childish "oh woe is me" speech to his two remaining brides who were hanging from the ceiling. I found this laughable and why didn't he just fly up anyway? He also gave a good impression of being a coward, as well as arrogance; this exhibits itself more when he fights Van Helsing towards the end of the film. He fears death and is afraid of anyone who may be stronger than him (something he's never been used too) and he still thinks he's indestructible. I can imagine the real Vlad had a nature like this, with the exception of walking up walls of course! I certainly think Richard Roxburgh added the comic touch to the film. It's a shame more of it couldn't have been the same.

The CGI is good, but it's so fast, you miss a lot the high-quality effects. The costume design is on the ridiculous side in some parts. How did Ms. Beckinsale manage to do all those acrobatics in that black corset?

Nevertheless, I Loved the comic book, OTT style which reminded me of other films such as Indiana Jones, The Mummy and The League of Extraordinary Gentleman, which appeal to both adults and children. I believe this was the intension.
I would watch it again; purely on the basis that it's a gothic, dramatic and fun film to watch when there's nothing else on, or at Christmas, so I would have it in my collection.

Impressively poor

Everything in this movie is poor - from acting to the plot. I tried hard to find a positive note, but failed to find one. I am only surprised that actors known from good (well - better) titles were part of it. Must be for the money.

AVOID!!!!