Classic horror fiction as pop art

Rating: 5/10 (16 May 2004)

Let's start with the good. Kate Beckinsale looks and sounds great. OK the accent is pretty corny, but we are in Universal horror territory here. The Dracula Brides are also beautiful and well used, but then it would be difficult to screw up these characters. Shame Josie Maran has less screen time than her counterparts, but she makes the most of her appearances. There is a nice return to traditional werewolf folklore in the transformation sequences, not quite "Company of Wolves" but you get the idea. Similarly, the Frankenstein's Monster is well portrayed, harking back to his literary character. The film's period detail and costumes are well thought out. But there were few things which annoyed me a little. Stephen Sommers does love his CGI. We're not quite into "The Mummy Returns" migraine inducing levels, but certainly getting there. Wolfmen just don't look great as cartoons. I also appreciate that it must be difficult to think up an original concept for Dracula, and Richard Roxburgh's gypsy king is brave stab at this, but sadly it just doesn't work. He just looks wrong. Hugh Jackman's Gabriel Van Helsing is an interesting character, but it would have been nice to hear more of his backstory (perhaps a mention of Abraham?). Having Jackman play another character suffering from historical amnesia is just lazy. But the story moves along at a brisk pace and is very atmospheric. If you loved Sommers' Mummy movies, I'm sure you'll enjoy this, but I think vampire purists should perhaps stay away. You'll only get upset! Don't take it too seriously and you'll have a fun, if unsubstantial, ride.