Before Blade, Before Buffy...

Rating: 8/10 (29 January 2005)

...There was Van Helsing! The Original Vampire Hunter! When I first saw the movie, I didn't really understand it. It seemed Stephen Sommers was trying to cram Dracula, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein all into the same movie. But after several viewings, the plot started to come together. I think its one of the best action movies ever.
Hugh Jackman is no stranger to the action genre. In X-men, he got his hands dirty as Wolverine. In fact, in some ways, I think Wolverine and Van Helsing are a lot alike. Both are loners, both are fighters, and both are searching for answers. Carl is a genius. I don't know how Van Helsing got by without him.
Richard Roxburgh was great as Dracula. He brought a suave, evil genius persona to the character. This made him both a lady's man and mastermind. All three of the Brides of Dracula were HOT! My favorite was Aleera. She was the best looking, but also the most psychotic. I liked Kevin J O'Connor as Igor. He served as the comic relief for the villains. (You may remember Kevin as Benny in THE MUMMY.) The visual effects in this movie were great, especially the parts where Dracula and his brides turn into vampire form. I thought the brides looked especially terrifying.
To all the fans out there that like a lot of B.S.U (Blowing Stuff Up), this movie will not disappoint you. Hardly a minute goes by without something being blown up, or smashed, or shot. (Movie fans, are you interested?) I love this movie, and if you like lots of action, I know you will, too.