VAN HELSING (2004) - Really liked this film. Not sure if it will ever be considered a classic. The film really gives us some really good Vampire, Werewolf, and Frankenstien lore. The CGI some how dosn't get in the way of this film and works out ok for a change. The movie just keeps moving for the whole 2 hours. The Vampire ball and the semi-comic approach in the dialogue of the film reminded me of THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS. Really liked the Frankenstien character. Well done film. Thanks to everyone who said good things about this movie a few post back. Turned out good.
(http://images.killermovies.com/v/vanhelsing/van_helsing_pictures.jpg)
Ugh. Didsn't care much for it when I saw it. Too much CGI, too much "funny" dialogue, too much action, too little horror. I enjoyed "The mummy returns" for being both funny and straight faced, but I think Stephen Sommers went to far here.
Funny fact: One of the she-vampires (the one who has more screen time) is played by spanish actress Elena Anaya.
"Not sure if it will ever be considered a classic."
You must be the only one then that isn't because I'm fairly certain anyone else could tell you with absolute certainty that this movie will never ever be considered a classic for any reason.
I'm with Scott. I've seen the flick a few times and I have found it enjoyable on each occasion. Sure it's stupid, has a lot of CGI and bad acting....but it's a really fun flick. Certainly not a classic as Scott said, but worth watching none the less.
...yeah, plus it's got Kate Beckinsale...
Post Edited (06-08-05 07:40)
How did I know you were going to say that Odinn?
Whilst I enjoyed it a bit, overall it was pretty forgettable in the long term. Though it is always good to see vampires and Frankie on the big screen!
The thing that stuck with me the most was the fact that Kate Beckinsale's character was supposed to be a vamp hunter, and I kept thinking how impractical it is to wear high heels with that in mind. Sure, you could use them as stakes, but the benefits don't seem to outwiegh the negatives! That being said, they looked hot so who am I to complain really? :-P
Skaboi wrote:
> How did I know you were going to say that Odinn?
>
I'm shallow, superficial AND predictable.
Post Edited (06-08-05 07:46)
I liked it quite a bit the first time I saw it at the theater. I even liked it the second time I saw it on DVD. But by the time I had watched it the 4th time for a review I was really beginning to dislike the movie. Right now I am in no rush to ever watch it again. It has absolutely no staying power. Here's my review if anyone is interested.
(I do love those Brides though)
(http://www.scifilm.org/images/vanhelsing3.jpg)
Yea, I really enjoyed it. A bit long, but some of the scenes with the 3 Vampiresses, Frankenstien strapped down on a boat with the dwarfs rowing him away.
Another part I liked was under the Vatican and the friar as the James Bond-ish technical gadget guy. The film did alot in two hours.
Also liked all the Vampire, Frankenstien, Werewolf folklore added. The carriage ride through the forest.
Our hero Van Helsing and the friar riding off into the sunset at the end.
Wonder how it would have come out if they made the film old style without the CGI and humor (which was ok).
I really liked this flick myself. The actor who played Dracula, Richard Roxburgh was a pretty good Dracula. I thought it was pretty hillarious when he would get blood on his hand and sort of bring it up to his mouth and shudder. I walk around doing that alot..yes I am wierd.
"The actor who played Dracula, Richard Roxburgh was a pretty good Dracula."
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Igor was very good. Probably the best Igor ever on film.
I don't know his name but Igor was played by the same guy who was Benny on "The Mummy".
*cough!*
"Igor, would you mind telling me whose brain I did put in?"
"And you won't be angry?"
"I will NOT be angry."
"Abby someone."
"Abby someone. Abby who?"
"Abby Normal."
"Abby Normal?"
"I'm almost sure that was the name."
My take on it. Good idea. Bad presentation.
Zapranoth, I forgot about Feldman in YOUNG FRANKENSTIEN. He was too funny.
I hated VAN HELSING. Ever read Ebert's review of NORTH? That pretty much sums it up. I saw it in the theater and about thirty minutes in I was waiting for it to be over. Unfortunately, that took a long time. I never walk out of movies, but if I did, that would be the one.
I have no problem with other people liking it, but I never want to see it again as long as I live.
Well, Mofo Rising I can understand your feelings on this one. I liked VAN HELSING by todays standards, but it and other of todays movies are too much like a ride at some theme park. The general effect of newer movies only last a few moments and they are deservingly forgotten like much of todays music.
Give me Lon Chaney, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Vincent Price, Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, or Paul Naschy movie any day. Again movies like VAN HELSING just may not ever be considered classics.