Clever, funny and visually impressive

Rating: 8/10 (18 May 2004)

'Van Helsing' is currently playing in Russian theatres and I already saw it two times. Reason #1: it is very cleverly done - with lots of context from other movies and books of this sort - starting with 'Frankenstein' and all the 'Draculas' and ending with such recent things as 'James Bond' and 'X-Men' (natural, as it too has Hugh Jackman). Reason #: it is very funny - the dialogue and, again, the context in which protagonists find themselves. Special effects are impressive as well. Acting is not really in option in such films, but Hugh Jackman is good and sexy, and Roxbourgh makes for a very unusual Dracula. Camera work is good as well - moody and professional, a little bit like in 'Sleepy Hollow'. And the whole movie certainly leaves you romantically exited - all these jumps, fights and full-moon transformations make one think as one is a teenager again. Clever, funny and visually impressive film - at LEAST 7/10!