With great doubts in my mind I went in to see Van Helsing because I really didn’t like the look of it from the promos or the advertisment hoardings..And on top of it the two earlier movies of Sommers(director)of the film that are The Mummy and The Mummy Returns weren’t exactly what I call entertaining. But Boy was I taken by surprise or what..This film was a delight and for two hours during which the movie ran there was rarely a dull moment..A must see for all who love watching DRACULA and vampire movies.
STORY:
The setting is of Europe in late 19th century or 1885-1890 to be more exact.. VAN HELSING(HUGH JACKMAN)is the most wanted man in Europe..He is a Holy man as well as a murderer and after killing HYDE he is sent to TRANSYLVANIA(Romania) by a secret sect of monks to end DRACULA(Richard Roxburgh). He is accompanied by CARL(David Wenham). Here he meets ANNA(Kate Becknsale), who is the heir of a family committed for centuries to overcome Dracula’s reign of terror. Anna’s brother Falcen has been used by Dracula and now is a WOLF MAN and now it’s up to Van Helsing to save the people from the terror of DRACULA and his brides and their vampire children.
PERFORMANCES AND EXTRAS:
Hugh Jackman in the title role is simply superb..This is his first movies that I am watching and well all I can say he is a jolly good actor and excels in action sequences.
Kate Beckensale in the role of an Eastern Europe princess is also good.She looks stunning in some places but it’s the Dracula’s three brides VERONA, ALLIRA, MARISHKA who are more luscious and their sequences are the best things about this movie.
Richard Roxbourgh as the DRACULA is okay..I say that beacuse I feel he was lacking in the charisma on-screen that actors before him who have played DRACULA possessed.
FRANKESTEIN’s Monster is an interesting addition to the storyline but please someone explain me his exact significance..
David Welhanm as Van Helsing’s gadget-doting companion is also good and provides some comic-relief in between.
But like many others even I too was dissapointed by the climax..Why exactly did VAN HELSING have nightmares..What was his connection with DRACULA..Had they met before..These questions are arised but not answered...
Almost all the sequences are good but ones which I liked the most were:
1.When Van Helsing saves Anna from the brides, the very moment he reaches Romania.
2.The sequence in which Van Helsing is taking FRANKESTEIN’s monster to Rome on a carriage.
3.The one in the library where Anna’s brother who is now a werewolf comes to meet her.
4.The ballroom scene where the trade between Anna and monster had to take place.
FINAL VERDICT;
People between the age group of 12-25 are simply going to enjoy this film..But please watch it only in THEATRES...
Awaiting your comments and ratings