Typical brainless so-called 'horror film' for mainstream audience.

Rating: 2/10 (18 August 2005)

"Van Helsing" is easily one of the worst so-called 'horror films' of 2004.Why people compare this CGI-laden piece of crap to Universal classics or Hammer vampire movies is beyond me.Instead of focusing on suspense the film is loaded with tons of unimpressive CGI-imagery.The script is painfully weak and the characters are totally one-dimensional.Admittedly,the opening scene is pretty good as it follows a mob of angry villagers as they storm Dr.Frankenstein's castle.It's shot in black and white andfor a little while,anywaycaptures the eerie,fog-ridden atmosphere of such horror staples as "Frankenstein" and "The Wolf Man".After this short prologue we meet Van Helsing and the film quickly becomes stupefying mess.The dialogue is particularly atrocious and there is no suspense or gore,just lots of loud noises and computer animated vampires and werewolves.The film may be entertaining for popcorn eaters,but everyone who calls himself or herself a true horror fan will hate it.2 out of 10.Avoid this travesty like the plague.