Over-the-top but fun

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2014)

I don't think anyone's ever made an accurate adaptation of Bram Stoker's vampire novel, though this one comes close. Honestly, this Dracula (1992) feels more like a remake of the basic story of The Mummy (1932) in that the villain is a centuries old undead creature who has damned his own soul once he loses the woman he loves, and his main goal is to reunite and possess her reincarnation in the modern world.
The film is hindered by poor supporting performances and downright silly moments. Keanu Reeves is shockingly bad as Johnathan Harker, making the oft-criticized David Manners in the 1931 version look like Laurence Olivier in comparison. Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, and Sadie Frost have their share of both serviceable and cringe-worthy moments.
I found the lack of subtlety in the handling of the story's themes of sexuality to be laughable. For example, I know Lucy's supposed to be more openly sexual and man-hungry, but when she started spitting out those ridiculous double entendres that only a sixth grader would giggle at, I could not help but think it was a little overboard.
The film is saved from total mediocrity by the spooky atmosphere, its haunting and romantic musical score, and most of all, through Gary Oldman's performance as Dracula. He's not the evil creature from the novel, but he does succeed in being simultaneously threatening and sympathetic, no easy task.
Once again, don't expect a perfect recreation of the novel, but it is an entertaining, if flawed, vampire film. I'd certainly watch it over the 1931 Browning version, and this is coming from someone who loves 1930s horror.