Van Helsing Vs Everyone.

Rating: 6/10 (9 June 2015)

Van Helsing (2004): Dir: Stephen Sommers / Cast: Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Roxburgh, Kevin J. O'Connor, Samuel West: Glorious special effects accompany a decent setup with a mob invading Dr. Frankenstein's castle and the resurrection of the Frankenstein monster. Van Helsing is seen as a murderer because he hunts vampires, werewolves, Mr. Hyde, Barney, etc. He is joined by a woman whose brother was bitten by a werewolf. Director Stephen Sommers previously brought us The Mummy so handling action and big overwhelming special effects are to his advantage. Screenplays are not his strong point as The Mummy proves as does this film. Hugh Jackman plays Helsing as a reminder of his Wolverine role. He is given the background but not the followup and rapidly descends into action and combat scenes. The same thing with Kate Beckinsale who basically replays her Underworld role. Again, the background is there but the familiarity decreases chances of the role being unique. Only Richard Roxburgh as Dracula is remotely interesting along with Kevin J. O'Connor as the loyal Igor. Samuel West plays Dr. Victor Frankenstein who is only featured briefly. Only hard core comic book fans will truly appreciate this combination of monsters with special effects that pay off better than anything else in the film. With that said, it becomes one long geek show. Score: 6 / 10