Don't be fooled by the trailers.

Rating: 4/10 (22 May 2004)

When VAN HELSING began, I was mildly interested. From what I had seen in the trailers, it looked pretty cool. However, maybe about halfway through the movie, I realized I was wrong.
I don't even know what the movie is really about, aside from fighting vampires. But, creatures like Frankenstein's monster and werewolves have no purpose in a story about Van Helsing, a VAMPIRE hunter. And the usage of Dracula is overrated. I think we've all seen a few too many Dracula movies as it is.
The action in this movie is respectable, I suppose. There's far too much rope-swinging, but the vampire creatures are pretty cool and the werewolves are pretty cool, if unnecessary to the movie. The acting is bland, and the script is pretty laughable. All of the female roles (including the beautiful Kate Beckinsale) are impossibly gorgeous, however--I'm a straight woman myself, and even I have to admit it. But aside from decent action, I don't think most people will get a lot of enjoyment out of this one.
I'm sure this has been and will be called a "roller coaster ride" many times, but I don't agree. It's actually pretty boring... kind of more like the kids' version of a log ride. Not worth your time. 4/10.