Good, fun summer blockbuster

Rating: 7/10 (12 May 2004)

I am really quite surprised how many IMDB users disliked Van Helsing. I really enjoyed it, ok it really is daft but I never expected anything less than what I got. Firstly I'm not a huge fan of CGI and to be honest I was getting rather tired of it but Van Helsing looks absolutely stunning. I loved the design of the whole film, the sets and landscapes were amazing. Also the special effects were fabulous. Hugh Jackman could have done with been given a little depth to his character but he was great as Van Helsing as was his sidekick who was very funny in his role as the Friar. I'm not so sure about Kate Beckinsales acting ability but she looks absolutely beautiful anyway. I did find the actor portraying Count Dracula a little OTT even for this film though!, Frankensteins Monster was better represented in the acting stakes. I'm no expert on the old Universal monster movies being Scottish I was brought up on the Hammer Horror films with the likes of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee and have always loved a good horror film. Thats why I give Van Helsing a huge thumbs up but still hope for a better plot and storyline if there is a sequel but i can't fault the superb special effects and acton sequences. Great popcorn flick ***7/10***