Part horror, part hoot....stunning visual effects and a slyly comic performance by Jackman

Rating: 6/10 (21 December 2006)

Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) is a monster hunter who achieves results, through luck and weaponry. When he is sent to take down, once and for all, the evil Count Dracula, it is an all out war with the denizens of the count's castle, including Frankenstein, werewolves, and vampires by the dozens. Only Anna (Kate Beckingsale), a young noblewoman whose brother was changed into a vampire by Dracula, is on Helsing's side. How in the world will the two of the them win out? Part horror, part hoot, this movie is a fun watch for an evening. Jackman is just right as the monster hunter with the sardonic wit of a stand-up comic. Beckinsale is a more serious but worthy supporting cast member. The film is visually stunning, even in an age of computer generating effects. Just watch a lady vampire swoop down and scoop up prey or a werewolf change in the moonlight. Younger children should probably not watch the film, for it has scary images. But, teens and adults will hardly be afraid for long, as Jackman cuts everyone down to size with his words. Recommended for a something-out-of-the-norm movie for a night without a full moon.