Before I begin, I would like to state that my initial thoughts on this movie were not the best. The more of the previews I saw, the more I felt that Stephen Sommers would not do justice to what the movie’s concept truly was capable was. After seeing it… well, you’ll see.
Van Helsing, the newest film Mummy director Stephen Sommers, seems to be what the first Mummy tried to be. The first one was initially supposed to be all action, but due to some overly funny scenes, it turned into more of an action/comedy. His newest venture into the realm of classic monsters though is much more successful. Combining the ideas of the Werewolf, the story of Frankenstein’s Monster and the legend of Count Dracula completely reinvents common knowledge of the monsters. The movie provides deeper stories of the characters that we all recognize, and artistically creates a modern version of the classic monsters for younger audiences to appreciate in the world of special effects and CGIs; rather successfully, I might add.
In the title role, Hugh Jackman’s coy smile and calm bearing make Van Helsing himself an enigmatic protagonist. This isn’t Wolverine in a trench coat, but a much calmer and more believable Hugh Jackman. He comes across as an Indiana Jones for the 21st Century, complete with the leather hat and one shot that reminded me of the Tank Fight from The Last Crusade. Kate Beckinsale (from Underworld to this? Talk about a rut), provides a beautiful performance. I didn’t like her as much in the OTHER vampire/werewolf movie as I did in this. Her character, Anna, is a great balance to the cool thinking of Van himself, and she pulls it off masterfully. She also has some spots to showcase some emotion (which Underworld didn’t), and does so effectively and realistically. In the role of bumbling sidekick is David Wenham, as the nervous, but helpful Friar Carl. His light-hearted comments provide the coy humor that makes this movie truly enjoyable. Also, the humor in this movie is never brought to the forefront or distracting enough to take away from the action. I think Mr. Sommers learned from the original Mummy in keeping the action the focus.
Dracula (Richard Roxburgh) is portrayed quite well as the ‘hollow’ murderer we have grown to fear. Also, this Dracula’s conniving nature is brought forth on an extreme scale, increasing the tension as a whole of Helsing and Co.’s entire situation.
Shuler Hesley’s Frankenstein’s Monster is by far the most creative re-imagining of a character in the film. The tortured existence of the creature adds a new level to what is generally assumed about him, and in turns adds another great element to the story. The Werewolves are few and completely CGI. Primal fury and viciousness superbly brought to life by the wonderful people at Industry LightMagic. Story-wise, a new layer is added on them as well, which affects all many of the other characters within the film.
Overall though, it is an incredibly good movie. It’s a nice way to kick off summer, as well as provide some continuous fun. Stephen Sommers nailed this film, although he does use some action-movie clichés. (Do we really need a cliff to stop an escape?) The regenerating skin effect used oh-so-much in the Mummy movies shows up here numerous times. But he makes up for it though in an extremely satisfying ending that leaves a sequel available, but not mandatory. Either way, he effectively conceptualizes a new way to look at our nightmares, but keeps it fun the process.
Grade: A
In Summary: It’s a great film, full of the action, romance, humor and special effects to last you until the next great action movie comes out. Also, it has Hugh Jackman running around like Tarzan at one point. If your girlfriend doesn’t want to see it, drop that hint and should get you in.
[size=i]This as been another Legacy Critiques[/size]
Van Helsing, the newest film Mummy director Stephen Sommers, seems to be what the first Mummy tried to be. The first one was initially supposed to be all action, but due to some overly funny scenes, it turned into more of an action/comedy. His newest venture into the realm of classic monsters though is much more successful. Combining the ideas of the Werewolf, the story of Frankenstein’s Monster and the legend of Count Dracula completely reinvents common knowledge of the monsters. The movie provides deeper stories of the characters that we all recognize, and artistically creates a modern version of the classic monsters for younger audiences to appreciate in the world of special effects and CGIs; rather successfully, I might add.
In the title role, Hugh Jackman’s coy smile and calm bearing make Van Helsing himself an enigmatic protagonist. This isn’t Wolverine in a trench coat, but a much calmer and more believable Hugh Jackman. He comes across as an Indiana Jones for the 21st Century, complete with the leather hat and one shot that reminded me of the Tank Fight from The Last Crusade. Kate Beckinsale (from Underworld to this? Talk about a rut), provides a beautiful performance. I didn’t like her as much in the OTHER vampire/werewolf movie as I did in this. Her character, Anna, is a great balance to the cool thinking of Van himself, and she pulls it off masterfully. She also has some spots to showcase some emotion (which Underworld didn’t), and does so effectively and realistically. In the role of bumbling sidekick is David Wenham, as the nervous, but helpful Friar Carl. His light-hearted comments provide the coy humor that makes this movie truly enjoyable. Also, the humor in this movie is never brought to the forefront or distracting enough to take away from the action. I think Mr. Sommers learned from the original Mummy in keeping the action the focus.
Dracula (Richard Roxburgh) is portrayed quite well as the ‘hollow’ murderer we have grown to fear. Also, this Dracula’s conniving nature is brought forth on an extreme scale, increasing the tension as a whole of Helsing and Co.’s entire situation.
Shuler Hesley’s Frankenstein’s Monster is by far the most creative re-imagining of a character in the film. The tortured existence of the creature adds a new level to what is generally assumed about him, and in turns adds another great element to the story. The Werewolves are few and completely CGI. Primal fury and viciousness superbly brought to life by the wonderful people at Industry LightMagic. Story-wise, a new layer is added on them as well, which affects all many of the other characters within the film.
Overall though, it is an incredibly good movie. It’s a nice way to kick off summer, as well as provide some continuous fun. Stephen Sommers nailed this film, although he does use some action-movie clichés. (Do we really need a cliff to stop an escape?) The regenerating skin effect used oh-so-much in the Mummy movies shows up here numerous times. But he makes up for it though in an extremely satisfying ending that leaves a sequel available, but not mandatory. Either way, he effectively conceptualizes a new way to look at our nightmares, but keeps it fun the process.
Grade: A
In Summary: It’s a great film, full of the action, romance, humor and special effects to last you until the next great action movie comes out. Also, it has Hugh Jackman running around like Tarzan at one point. If your girlfriend doesn’t want to see it, drop that hint and should get you in.
[size=i]This as been another Legacy Critiques[/size]
