Van Helsing
My Grades:

Story: B+
Acting: A-
Directing: A-
Visual Effects: A+
Genre: A
Final Grade: A-


***1/2
Directed by: Stephen Sommers

Written by: Stephen Sommers

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, David Wenhem, Richard Roxbourgh, Will Kemp, Shuler Hensley, Kevin J. O'Connor

Universal Studios
Rated: PG-13
    Now this is an adventure/action/horror movie.  Director Stephen Sommers who gave us the hits and some of the best films of their respective years, "The Mummy," and its 2001 sequel, "The Mummy Returns," now ramsacks the Universal vault again to give us a well written and well thought out movie with cinema's ultimate "movie monsters."  The King of horror, "Dracula," the reason werewolves are feared, "The Wolf Man," and the gentle giant, "Frankenstein's Monster."
     Stephen Sommers gives us a story mostly about famed hunter of mythical creatures, Gabriel Van Helsing, played beautifully by Hugh Jackman of "X-Men" fame.  Jackman treats the character as a troubled mwan whom while fighting to save "Transylvania" wants figure out his past.
     Van Helsing is aided by his Friar friend Carl played by David Whenhem(Faramire from, "The Lord of the Rings").  In Transylvania help is given by the beautiful Princess Anna Velerious (Kate Beckinsale) whose brother, Prince Velkan (Will Kemp), was bitten by a werewolf a few days before Van Helsing arrived in Transylvania.
     Those three always are trying to fina a way to defeat Coun Vladislyass Dracula (Richard Roxbourgh).  He is no ordinary Vampire, because everything that would kill a vampire has not killed him. Richard Roxbourgh brings this dynamic and haunting character to the screen with grace and skill.
     Dracula is continually trying to bring his children to life and the only way is to use Dr. Frankenstein's Monster played by Shuler Hensely.  He is, as they say in the movie, "The Key to Life."
     Van Helsing, Carl, and Anna encounter many troubles along their journey of self-discovery and to find the truth of Dracula.
     From Jackman, Wenham, & Roxbourgh giving rather amazing performances for this genre of film, to Alan Silvestri's loud, powerful, & Oscar Worthy Score, "Van Helsing" is a triumph.  I can't wait for both this on DVD and Mr. Sommer's next movie.
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