Vampires and werewolves, what more could you ask for? A better movie!

Rating: 6/10 (6 May 2004)

I have been waiting with anticipation for this movie. I'm a big fan of monster movies, especially when they include vampires or werewolves. Van Helsing has both, AND Frankensteins monster, so I have been eagerly awaiting this title. And last night was the world premiere, with Galla, monster outfits, push-up Vampirella outfits and so forth, what a JOY!!
*****Minor Spoilers below*********** Unfortunately the movie is very disappointing. The storyline has so many holes, it must have been bitten by a rabid vampire. The plot is pretty standard, with no surprises at all, leaving your guesses from the start of the movie, confirmed at the end.
Right from the beginning, you are told that the main character is several hundred years old, which makes him some kind of immortal. Hence, you never get to feel that he is in any kind of danger. You know what kills vampires, you know what kills werewolves, you don't know if there is anything that can kill Van Helsing. This is probably the biggest problem of the movie. IT NEVER GETS EXCITING OR THRILLING!! Add to that, Van Helsing is the James Bond of forgotten days, armed with an arsenal of "futuristic" weapons and devices which are always there to save the day.
Acting is good. Casting is decent.
The graphics are pretty OK.The backgrounds are great, leaving you submerged into a dark and creepy world. Most of the effects are decent, with a few glitches, and some poorly created CGI effects here and there.
The soundtrack is unobtrusive, creating a good atmosphere. Sound effects are for the most part decent, but not good enough to bring on extra ambiance.
I'll not recommend this movie to anyone. You might enjoy it on a lazy Sunday evening, but do not expect anything exciting to happen.
Best Regards Robert Tofte
PS.: While I do not dislike that Van Helsing has been turned from an elderly wise and knowledgeable man, into an younger and more action oriented hero. I DO dislike that they can't pronounce his name correct. The "V" in Van Helsing is pronounced as the German "V"(Fau), hence the name is pronounced Fan Helsing, but in the movie, everyone pronounces it as if it was an American name.