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Movie: Van Helsing
Director: Stephen Sommers
Actors: Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Roxburgh, Davind Wenham
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Director Stephen Sommers, known for his Mummy movies, dug up some old monsters for his latest action-adventure
flick Van Helsing. De infamous vampire hunter got his target not only on Dracula but also on Frankenstein,
Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde and The Wolfman. Van Helsing appeared in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. Hugh Jackman (X-Men)
will bring the hunter to the big screen in this big budget popcorn movie.
The story in a nutshell:
Dr. Gabriel van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) works for Rome and protects the world from evil forces. His new mission
revolves around hunting down the dangerous Count Vladislaus Dracula (Richard Roxburgh). Van Helsing travels
to Transylvania, joined by his companion Carl (Davind Wenham). The two team up with another vampire hunter
Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale) who got her hands full on Dracula's three vicious brides. The count is ready
to take on the fight with his army of vampires and werewolves hungry for fresh human meat.
Stephen Sommers has proven with his "Mummy" movies that he is a great admirer of monster- and adventure flicks.
Sommers takes it a big step further with Van Hesling, more monsters, more adventure and more special effects.
The movie is his tribute to the classic black 'n' white monster films. The dark tone, de wonderful costumes
and the breathtaking gothic sets are stunning.
Hugh Jackman managed not to drown in the visual tidal wave and remains charming despite the corny one-liners
and freaky accent. Too bad Kate Beckinsale doesn't have an interesting role to impress the audience. Van Helsing's sidekick
Carl, played by David Wenham ("The Lord's" Faramir), delivers some funny jokes to break the suspense. Richard
Roxburgh gives an over the top performance with Count Dracula, just like in the old movies. Unfortunately,
he doesn't have the charisma of Christopher Lee or Gary Oldman in the previous Dracula movies.
But of course the movie is all about the action, spectacle and special effects, which is being supported by
the wonderful bombastic score of veteran composer Alan Silvestri. Stephen Sommers grabs the reins tightly bringing
the viewer right on the edge of an overkill of effects and action. Van Helsing is one giant, explosive
rollercoaster ride. Leave your brains at home, grab a bucket of popcorn and enjoy.
Written by Reggy 07/05/04
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