A film CAN be pure entertainment...

Rating: Null/10 (12 May 2004)

...and "Van Helsing" most certainly was. There have been many complaints about this movie, with the message board discussions sounding more like the squabbling of children than mature discourse over a film.
This movie was outlandish, and unbeliveable, with characters and a story that was bigger than life. Which is exactly what it was supposed to be. These characters are fictional - they never existed. It was a mindless diversion, and suspension of disbelief is required throughout.
Having said that, let me get on to the good parts, and I believe that there were many. From the opening in black and white, which was clearly an Homage to the Original "Frankenstein" with the versatile and sadly missed Boris Karloff, this movie sets the tone for the audience. Its over-the-top, and wants us to take it seriously, but not TOO seriously. This is a similar tone that was set with the director's two previous movies "The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns," and its not unrealistic to make comparisons between the two. Namely, if you liked those movies, you will like Van Helsing; if you did not, then you will probably not like this movie. From there we are introduced to our hero, played by the also (surprisingly) versatile Hugh Jackman. He's tall, with long sable hair, dressed in a long leather trench coat and all but has the words "drool over me ladies, I am the studly, virile, action hero" stamped on him.
I will refrain from giving a complete summary of the movie, because you should judge the movie on its own merits rather than any positive or negative commentary about the plot or any technical issues that you may have with the film (apparently there were color distortions in some of the European prints, and the boom mike is visible in some of the shots, but I did not see any of that).
In short, an enjoyable movie. If you look for a grand message or try to find holes in the plot (*POSSIBLE SPOILER* Why did he see two full moons so closely together? He was in Transylvania almost a month), please bear in mind that you are seeing a movie about creatures that do not exist in real life. Enjoy the movie for its grand spectacle and great visuals, rich scenery and colorful characters, and let it go at that.
I give it 9.5 out of 10, and yes I AM going to see it again.