great film, few flaws

Rating: 10/10 (9 May 2004)

I saw this film yesterday and I have to say it was not as brilliant as I had expected but still very enjoyable film. The overall storyline and action was great but there was a few moments that let it down.
SPOILERS The script was good but i found there were a few bad or out of character lines. one of those was, towards the end, when dracula was backing away from van helsing/werewolf and saying something like "maybe we could be friends" i found this to be very cheesy and unlike the evil dracula from the rest of the film. Another thing i didn't like was the fact that a few things were not explained fully (although that may just have been me not paying attention). there were also a few cheesy bits like van helsing jumping off the carriage and firing two guns in slow mo.
but there were plenty of things i did like about the film. David Wenham was great as the comedy friar and had a lots of funny lines ("I don't know if you've looked in the mirror lately, but you kind of stick out in a crowd.") hugh jackman was good as the dark hero, although i'm not sure what accent he was ment to be doing and kate beckinsale was feisty and sometimes a little bit vulnerable so that van helsing got a chance to come and save her (but i still have no idea how she managed to run or fight in that corset). the opening black and white scene was brilliant and a great way to start the film. i also thought the way frankenstein was portrayed was good. the action scenes were great i loved hugh jackman jumping from horse to horse. the CGI baby vampires (and the CGI big vampires for that matter) looked scarily realistic although they sort of reminded me of the flying monkeys from the wizard of oz. it was not a particularly frightening film but there were a few bits that really made me jump like Mr hyde suddenly appearing from the top of the screen.
Over all i give it 8/10