The name's Van Helsing, Gabriel Van Helsing

Rating: Null/10 (8 May 2004)

Now, to start, let me first acknowledge that this is not a 'good film' in the classic sense of the word. It does not have a deep and twisting plotline, full and insightful character development, or cinematography so beautiful that makes you weep into your popcorn with joy. What this film is, is a blockbuster, and therefore must be judged as such.
It is, essentially, akin to a James Bond film. Cool hero, deliciously wicked and seemingly unbeatable villain, incredibly attractive female companion (who's good, but not so good that she doesn't have to be saved once or twice), a comedic sidekick (who gives him gadgets in a scene beautifully reminiscent of one of the many Q/Bond scenes) and (essential for this kind of film) some moments that just make you regress to the age of 10 and say to yourself 'Good God. That was cool'.
The film doesn't attempt to do too much. It gives you a kick-ass film featuring kick-ass characters taking part in kick-ass action scenes aided by some kick-ass CGI. A blockbuster it is, make no mistake about it, and one of the best I've seen in a bally long time.
8/10