A little over the top. Actually, WAY over the top!

Rating: 6/10 (9 May 2004)

Van Helsing tells a tale crudely based on the fictional vampire hunter. It blends several stories together: Dracula, Frankenstein, and the legends of the werewolf.
I won't bother going in to the plot. This is not the kind of movie to see if you're interested in plot. This is also not the kind of movie to see if you're interested in characters. This is not the kind of movie to see if you're interested in using your brain at all.
Having said that, it's a fun enough movie. Sure, it takes loads of liberties with famous fictional characters. Yeah, it doesn't tax the acting abilities of Hugh Jackman or Kate Beckinsale (although David Wenham is terrific as the mousy, brainy, and horny Friar Carl).
But it is action packed, with lots of stunts and special effects and other early-teen fodder. The make-up and sets (whether CG or real) are very well done. And it's not vulgar, a plus for movies of this genre.
A big problem I had with this film was the overuse of CGI effects, especially during the climactic battle scene. It was almost painful to watch. They could have taken a few lessons from Peter Jackson on how to incorporate CGI into a film. Too much is too unwatchable.
A good enough movie for what it is. 6 out of 10.