Disappointing and uneconomical

Rating: 5/10 (3 June 2004)

"Van Helsing", the first "guaranteed blockbuster smash" of the manic summer movie season, amounts to the most frivolous abuses of CGI lacking any intelligence or even plot. Starts out somewhat intriguing, broaches the vampire hunter with some style and, well the rest of the movie is simply ruthless, brainless, and frivolous to the extent of disturbance. Generally, a film which boasts fantastic CGI can succeed IF it is reasonable and enjoyable enough for the audience to believe and enjoy its "popcorn rollercoaster". Yet, every once in a style, the likes of "Van Helsing" arrives, with ample anticipation and, it sincerely disappoints us in its desecrating foolishness, and we are merely lulled to sleep rather than intoxicated by its exhilaration and mindless fun. The creatures conquered by the vampire hunter whose name "they all know" are nothing short of ridiculous, silly plot contrivances to excuse the film's lack of innovation for better ideas. And this film could have greatly succeeded, if only handled on the right note, and not on the silliness of vampires, bats, and frankenstein creatures, none of which are either convincing nor exhilarating. Heart pounding music and impressive CGI, yet scarcely in the right places. Even the summer movie season should promise us more than "Van Helsing". ** out of ****