Onslaught of special effects can't rescue this nightmare

Rating: 5/10 (29 May 2004)

Van Helsing is not a movie, but rather a conglomeration of special effects attempting to be held together by B rate acting and virtually no plot. Granted, while a few of the special effects are cheesy and unrealistic, most are quite impressive, as are the computer graphics. It is easy for the viewer to be drawn into the movie by any of the action scenes. However, while the special effects are convincing, the acting is equally unconvincing. Like a huge splash of ice water to the face, someone has to speak and we're brought right back into reality. While there, it doesn't take much to notice the weak, hole-riddled plot. If the viewer is looking for anything at all more than eye candy, he or she would be advised to pass it by.