Garish, loud, silly....and a lot of fun.

Rating: 7/10 (11 May 2004)

I have never been a fan of the brainless summer film. That isn't to say that summer film's are, as a rule, brainless. Over the past few years we've been treated to some very well-written, thoughtful popcorn movies during the summer movie season and this year promises some of wonderful potential. However, movies like "Armageddon", "The Mummy Returns" and "Mission: Impossible 2" have left me cold and looking for the exit sign. I willingly admit that "Van Helsing" shares far more in common with these movies than it does the more intelligent summer films, but for some bizarre reason, I found myself smiling a lot during the film. Yes, it's obnoxiously loud. Yes, there are plot holes you could drive a semi through. Yes, the acting ranged from O.K. to MST3K atrociousness. But the sets are fantastic, the atmosphere inviting and...darn it all...the bad stuff was entertainingly bad. In fact, it seemed intentional. The thick-as-pine-sap accents were completely in keeping with the goofy tone that underlines the entire movie. The jokes are broad and the pace is brisk. The deliberate stagey nature of the movie is obviously in homage to the old horror films that inspired it. It may not be as smart as they were, but it doesn't want to be. This may be the best brainless summer film I've ever seen. Most likely because it has no intention of even trying to be anything else.