Great Concept + bad execution = disappointing film

Rating: 4/10 (9 May 2004)

Van Helsing is another example of one of those plot concepts that simply fell apart because too much budget and time was spent on the effects.
Some things worth noting:
The opening sequence has some of the most stunning black white
cinematography since Schindler's list.
Throughout the whole film the Art Direction/Set Design was done excellently. Costume and Design was also done well. In short, the film was aesthetically
pleasing. [Incidentally, depending on the quality of this year's film on average, Van Helsing could find a nomination for Art Direction]
Acting: Kate Beckinsale fakes a great Romanian accent. The character of her brother is well acted and one of the few highlights in this film. Worthy of particular praise are Samuel West and Shuler Hensley. Their portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster, respectively, are so accurate to earlier portrayals of the characters it is practically chilling.
David Wenham: Nice job on his part. Nothing award-winning but he designed
and acted his character well. Most of the funniest moments are due to his
delivery of lines and mannerism.
Key Problems: Plot: Too much is left unexplained. Particularly, Van Helsing's relationship to
Dracula. Attempts a mythological explanation for the Van Helsing character fail due to the lack of good plot exposition. Simply put, by the end of the film you get the feeling that three or four scenes, which are necessary for the plot, were cut from the film. What was intended to be interesting, almost mystical, simply fails to be
anything but confusing. Even with a good understanding of Christian
mythology, the film leaves blatant holes unfilled. [on a side note: what was with the reference to the Bavarian Illuminati? Talk about dropping symbols for nothing and not tying it to any plot point.] Like The Mummy and its sequel, the film had several one-liners and comedic
moments but many of them were flat, obvious, &/or simply not funny.
Acting: Kate Beckinsale did good work with the accent but the character is so much
more than that. Moments of power and moments of weakness oscillate with the
character. What starts as a smart and strategic character makes blatantly stupid decisions followed by being smart and tactical. Multiple personalities? Maybe. Her fault or the writers? Probably both.
Hugh Jackman was acceptable but, unlike in other roles of his, he seemed to
just walk through the lines. Comedy of this sort, like in the Mummy & its sequel, requires a great deal of effort on the part of the cast and it just didn't seem like that effort was there.

In summation: Save your money ! ! ! This film is worth renting, mainly for the one-liners. Diehard monster-movie buffs will want to watch this for the
Frankenstein-opening and a few other scenes.