Tongue in cheek

Rating: Null/10 (18 November 2004)

I'd forgotten that Americans don't do irony, or humour other than slapstick, until I read the comments on this movie. Of *course* it isn't a "serious" horror movie. It's full of tongue-in-cheeck references to other movies, to horror "conventions" and general silliness. I guess because it isn't utterly "in your face" it doesn't make sense to the average American viewer. Watch it again, and look for the references to Star Wars, James Bond, Polanski's "Dance of the Vampires", and doubtless many more I've missed.
Personally, I thought Roxborough was one of the best Draculas, in context, I have ever seen. Ditto the Brides and Frankenstein's Monster. Jackman was pretty wooden, but acceptable. Pity Beckinsale was a sexist joke from beginning to end.
I've seen it twice and would be happy to see it again.