An goofy, adventure, horror/thriller with an nice sense of humour.

Rating: 8/10 (8 September 2007)

Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) is an infamous monster hunter, Who works for the Vatican. Helsing and his sidekick Karl (David Wenham) are sent to Transylvania on a mission to destroy Count Dracula (Richard Roxburgh) and his three brides (Elena Anaya, Silvia Colloca and Josie Maran). But Count Dracula isn't working alone, since he has the Wolf Man (Will Kemp) on his side and his loyal assistant Igor (Kevin J. O'Connor) are planning something of unspeakable evil, which could help Dracula be the ruler of the world. But Dracula's needs the Frankenstein's monster (Shuler Hensley) to make his evil plan work. Because the Frankenstein's monster has plenty of energy, power and life on his body. Helsing isn't alone, since he also finds help from an tough female warrior Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale). Which Anna tries to save her brother, which her brother has become an Wolf Man. Van Helsing and his sidekick finds themselves in the most difficult mission of their career. Especially they are the only ones, who could destroy Count Dracula and his three evil brides with the help of Anna.
Written and Directed by Stephen Sommers (The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, Deep Rising) made an enjoyable if especially dumb action-packed ride. Jackson is solid as usual as the title lead character in the film. This movie has good supporting performances and some fine visual effects. Although Sommers' script is some ways could have been much more and less jokey in tone. Which it worked much better in his previous pictures. The movie's best moments are in the first half of the movie. It does offers something different in some key sequences. It will also probably disappointed some of the die-hard fans of the Universal's monster films. But this movie is aimed more at kids and fans of Sommers' movies than the general audiences.
DVD has an sharp Pan & Scan (1.33:1) transfer and an strong-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has two enjoyable commentaries tracks. One is by the writer/producer/director:Sommers and editor/producer:Bob Ducsay. Second commentary is by the actors:Roxburgh, Kemp and Hensley. DVD also has featurettes, Outtakes and more. But the best thing about "Van Helsing" is the funny, campy performance of Roxburgh is certainly an Hoot as Count Dracula. The actresses, who plays his three brides have their moments as well. Beckinsale is somewhat in familiar territory after seeing her in the "Underworld" movies. Sommers' movies is always been style over substance with heavy CGI effects, good looking cinematography and strong music score are always important in his films. Probably the most memorable thing in the movie as well is in the Black & White opening sequence is terrific as well. I thought "Van Helsing" would have looked great if the whole movie stayed in Black & White. Since this film was even an bigger hit on DVD than it was in theaters. Fred Dekker's "The Monster Squad" was done much better and it was ahead of it's time as well. Overall "Van Helsing" is entertaining, Sommers' best film is still "The Mummy" and he should lay off the monsters movies for a while. (*** ½/*****).