So many monsters...

Rating: 7/10 (10 May 2004)

I really did not know what to expect from Stephen Sommers' "Van Helsing" at least from the trailers. Was it going to be a light-hearted adventure, a classic tale of good versus evil, or just plain silly and entertaining? A key draw is Hugh Jackman as Van Helsing, who is a great stage and screen actor, and this movie generation's classic leading man. Kate Beckinsale is a talented and versatile actress, who is stunningly beautiful. Well, "Van Helsing" is all of that, and possibly has the most monsters per capita, than any movie in recent memory. These are not exactly "props". Sommers' movie not only opens in black and white; it also dense packs Dr. Frankenstein, Frankenstein's Monster, and Dracula (Richard Roxburgh). And there are more monsters to come including, the Werewolf, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Fortunately, Director Sommers ends the movie well in the last 45 minutes or so, melding the story together after a very unfocused and chaotic start. Credit Jackman and Breckensale for keeping our attention amidst the chaos. They are very attractive actors, who also have a natural chemistry. "Van Helsing" ends up being a wild fun ride.
Perhaps the best thing about Van Helsing is Hugh Jackman. He has a commanding presence, a great voice, and is totally charismatic. It also seems that this younger vampire hunter Van Helsing, the nemesis of Dracula, has been reinvented for Jackman. He is similar to X-Men's Logan, who has a mysterious past and no memory of it. Also it seems that this Van Helsing is much like a James Bond for the Vatican-- James Bond may be the next role in Jackman's near future. Anyway, Van Helsing is off to Transylvania with cool weapons invented by sidekick Carl (the Vatican's "Q") to vanquish the evil Count Dracula. There they join forces with the warrior Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale). The Valerious family has sworn vengeance on Dracula over the centuries. In an intriguing twist, it turns out that Dracula holds the key to Van Helsing's past.
Then the story becomes extremely convoluted. Jekyll and Hyde are thrown in for no reason. Dracula requires Frankenstein's monster to ensure his legacy. Van Helsing must stop Dracula before he himself is turned to a Werewolf. This really would give something away if the story were more coherent, but it is not. The special effects in Van Helsing are state-of-the-art; however, the writing is not. Sommers does recover at the end-- it ends satisfyingly. Apparently, Van Helsing has a presold sequel. Perhaps, that will be more story and character driven, and the role expanded deserving of Jackman's talents. Jackman is good here regardless. He plays Van Helsing as darkly heroic, romantic, and intense. He also displays a sense of humor. Kate Beckinsale is strong and charming as Van Helsing's partner and love interest. They are a great looking couple, and that does not hurt the movie.
"Van Helsing" is silly fun, though it is frustrating to watch at times. It has enough star power from Jackman and Beckinsale, to engage and entertain for a couple of hours. A few less monsters and a cohesive story may have made a big difference.