a computer graphics Gothic film

Rating: 7/10 (28 November 2004)

'Van Helsing' is a remarkable film from a technical point of view. Computer graphics in films became a major trend lately, and the borders between classic animation, computer animation and acting become more and more blurred. If you doubt, just see the four animation films in the US top ten this week, and computer effects playing a visible role in at least another two. As I said, I liked, actually was captivated by the endless imagination in the computer work in this film, and this kept me interested despite the length of the film.
Sure, there is not too much originality in 'Van Helsing'. We get a very strong mix of many of the horror stories of the 19th century. The only original idea was re-defining the Vatican as the host of the bigger spy agency of the epoch. The film even has a Mister Q as an important supporting character. Acting is not too bad, but the quality of the film lies mostly in the Gothic atmosphere, the infinite number of monsters, and the landscape created by computer means. Certainly, it is just comics-level geography and history. Do not expect any historic or geographic truth here. Transylvania for example for whoever is interested is 500 kilometers away from any sea. But who cares.
I enjoyed 'Van Helsing' more than I expected. However, I dislike the idea of a second film, and the producers would make a big mistake to try to create a sequel. It can't be better than the original in its genre. I am however sure that they did not wait for my advice, and are already doing it to capitalize on the momentum :-) 'Van Helsing' gets 7 out of 10 on my personal scale.