It seems best to consider this version of Dracula independently; drawing comparisons to previous adaptations would be pointless. As it stands, it’s a reasonably enjoyable, though ultimately unremarkable, adventure movie. Luke Evans portrays Prince Vlad as he enters into a sort of agreement with Charles Dance—a vampiric parallel to making a pact with the devil—in an attempt to protect his family and realm from invasio…

Bram Stoker's *Count Dracula* provides a textbook example of what I call my Evil Iceberg Theory—the less you know about and see of a villain, the more effective they are. In the novel, the central figure is unique in that he doesn’t record his thoughts in letters or diaries, unlike other characters like Dr. Seward. If, as Lovecraft suggested, fear is humanity's oldest and strongest emotion, and the most profound k…

Gary Shore directed "Dracula Untold," which came out in 2014, and it recounts the story of Dracula’s beginnings. Set in the 15th century, the film follows Prince Vlad the Impaler (played by Luke Evans) as he tries to safeguard his small kingdom of Wallachia—now located in Romania—from a Turk warlord (Dominic Cooper). The warlord demands a thousand young boys from Wallachia and Transylvania, including Vlad’s own son. …

It's not unexpected that the critics at Rotten Tomatoes didn’t handle this film well. Their opinions often differ from mine and those of most viewers, as evidenced by their 23% rating compared to the audience score of 60%. A number of people who consider themselves traditionalists also seem to dislike it. However, given its title, Dracula Untold, it shouldn't be a shock that the story is a fresh take on the legend. …

The movie really doesn't have much going for it, except for the acting of FX, Evans, and Dance. If the concept of Dracula transforming into a heroic figure and someone to be pitied appeals to you, then this might be enjoyable. However, if you’re like me, you’ll probably consider it one of the poorer choices made in quite a while. Essentially, Dracula isn't portrayed as an inherently malevolent being anymore...