The battle scenes are over the top

Rating: Null/10 (5 May 2004)

Hugh Jackman plays the mysterious Gabriel Van Helsing and Kate Beckinsale plays Princess Anna Valerious, the last member of the royal family in Transylvania. The movie is set near the end of the 19th century with Van Helsing working for a secret holy organization that has been defeating evil creatures all over the world for centuries. Van Helsing has been ordered to capture or kill Mr. Hyde. He finds Mr. Hyde and the battle is on. His next mission is to go to Transylvania and kill the vampire, Count Dracula (Richard Roxburgh). Van Helsing cannot remember his past, but all roads lead to Transylvania. When he first arrives in town, the town's people want to kill him, until Dracula's three wives come to town for lunch. Van Helsing joins forces with Anna to go after Dracula. Anna's family has tried everything to kill Dracula for over 400 years. Anna's entire family tree will go to hell if Dracula is not killed before she dies. While Van Helsing is battling Dracula, he discovers his secret past. The movie has great special effects, but I think they were overdone. This is not a scary horror film, but a comedy that will make you laugh. They even have Frankenstein's Monster in the movie. You may get a little bored with some of the scenes; that is why they should cut 20 minutes. Overall, it is a good action packed movie with a surprise ending. (Universal, Run Time 2:12, Rated PG-13) (8/10)