Van Helsing
Hugh Jackman: Gabriel Van Helsing
Kate Beckinsale: Anna
Ladies and gentleman, I give you the perfect movie night flick. It has action. It has interesting characters. It also has the coolest guy in a fedora since Indiana Jones. With characters based in literary beginnings, Van Helsing is excellent for one main reason. It doesn't take itself too seriously. Because of that, it allows a viewer to have a fantastic trip through a monster rich landscape made more vivid thanks to CGI.
The story begins in black and white in the lab of Dr. Viktor Frankenstein. As the story goes, he is the creator of the monster made of the pieces of seven men. But the movie allows more to it. Interjected into the scene is Dracula, played with moustache twirling perfection by Richard Roxburgh. Something is clearly up in this mountainous lab, but it's not quite clear what. However, this dark introduction neatly sets up a whirlwind adventure which resumes a year later. It is then that we meet Gabriel Van Helsing. He is a man called to hunt evil, but his past is a mystery. He simply is compelled to fight that which might plague mankind.
The movie doesn't waste much time on the deep questions though. We're plunged headlong into a story that calls up werewolves, vampires and some of the finest special effects of recent memory. This is a movie rich in visuals. A foggy forest, the snarl of a werewolf. Details are given care in this film, and you honestly might find yourself wondering if that bump outside the window might be more serious than just a stray cat.
Jackman and Beckinsale turn in fine performances. This isn't an acting heavy movie, but it does require a certain amount of charm to be brought to the roles and it's done with easy grace. Both are natural action stars, and their personality will have you cheering them along.
The language in the movie is brief, and fairly mild. There's also a non-explicit scene of a sexual encounter along with a bit of drinking. The reason for the PG-13 rating is simple. Nonstop action. However, the action is done in a way that you're never overwhelmed with gore. You're simply aware of the ferocity of these monsters and it's left at that. I'd recommend this movie for anyone looking for a popcorn munching adventure with enough heart to really make it worth the time.
-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
indigojenn@earthlink.net
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!
