Fun, geddit?

Rating: 8/10 (4 August 2009)

Of all the different genres in the world of movies, fantasy is the one which should never take itself too seriously. When it does it becomes incredibly po-faced, and the old enjoyability quotient reduces exponentially.
Van Helsing remembers, throughout every second of its running time, that it is supposed to be fun. From the opening sequence, which joyously and wittily, references the Universal horrors of the 30s and 40s, through to the final riding into the sunset, the movie is simply an adventurous romp.
It makes great use of CGI and has enjoyable performances from all the principals (though Richard Roxburgh is perhaps miscast as Dracula). David Wenham's droll monk is a particular delight, and Shuler Hensley as Frankenstein's monster delivers the same dignity and gravitas as Karloff did all those years ago.
This movie is great fun and should not be taken too seriously.