This hokum is a fun-filled, action-packed, video game of a movie with spectacular special-effects and a lavish production design. Thumbs up. Grade: B

Rating: Null/10 (19 July 2004)

"Van Helsing" is one of those movies that you either love or hate. Director Stephen Sommers' ("The Mummy") take on some of the classic Universal monsters works on the level of pure video game-driven hokum. The title character played by "X-Men" star Hugh Jackman, cloaked in black leather, is a youthful version of Dracula's arch-nemesis. His first name is no longer Abraham, it's Gabriel and he's more James Bond than exorcist.
Armed with a high-tech arsenal of weapons and gadgets, Van Helsing is a formidable foe for the most of the freaks he hunts. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Creature and Dracula all figure into a thin story that gets the job done. Hottie Kate Beckinsale plays the love interest of Van Helsing's and Richard Roxburgh is the Count himself. Unlike the "Mummy" movies, "Van Helsing" rarely takes time to develop character. It's pretty much a hyper-kinetic, non-stop action ride.
Music composer Jerry Goldsmith's score is bombastic and over-the-top, much like the picture itself. The film's opening scene, a virtuoso segment shot in b & w, pays homage to the classic Universal Monster movies. The climatic fight between Van Helsing and Dracula is pretty silly, but it's probably the only weak aspect of a film I mostly enjoyed. "Van Helsing" was mostly ravaged my critics, but if you're looking for a slick, state-of-the-art, yet dopey action movie. This film will most likely satisfy your thirst. It's great fun. *** out of ****