Cinematic Breakthrough - True Heroes are not Gymnasts!

Rating: Null/10 (6 May 2004)

What I like about this film is that the heroes perform their stunts...err...gracelessly. Van Helsing attempts to overcome the flaw of many action films by adding an element of brute realism to the contemporary genre of unexplained superhuman gymnastics. Heroes actually hit anything from trees, roof shingles, and cliffs during a fall - I think I would hit everything except air if I took a plunge!
Faithfully, this visually-rich film pays homage to early century horror classics, casting an icy shadow over each frame. You may recognize the opening dialogue as an allusion to an earlier film. Many interesting overhead shots patrol the industrial-aged cities of Paris, Rome, and Transylvania. Inventions, potions, art, and folklore embody an environment that embraces a story of passionate motives with bits of comic relief.
A simple but interesting premise emerges from the opening sequences: a single-minded 19th century hitman is hired by the pope to purge the world of evil monsters. Of course we know that from the previews. However, Van Helsing is already subject to paradox in his mission to "cleanse" since the act of killing is unholy - and this throws the wrench in the whole gothic machine.
Remember, take each film for what it has to offer. Films entertain in different ways. Don't watch Scarface expecting to be touched by a valuable family lesson. Don't watch Star Wars expecting to explore interpersonal relationships in a contemporary world. Don't watch the Wizard of Oz expecting handguns and grenade launchers. Don't watch Bruce Almighty expecting to find God as an old beady-eyed squinty cigar-smoking man with thick glasses (that's a different movie).