Stephen Sommers had a surprising success with "The Mummy" in 1999, but he really went too far with the 2001 sequel "The Mummy Returns," which serves as a good example of modern blockbuster movies that are overloaded with explosions and supposedly “exciting” events, yet somehow manages to be dull. That’s also true of "Van Helsing," though not quite as extreme. THE PLOT: Set in 1887, "Van Helsing" follows Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) and Anna (Kate Beckinsale) as they team up in Transylvania to battle Dracula, his three beautiful but dangerous brides, the Frankenstein monster, werewolves, vampire babies, and so on. It becomes clear early on that “Van Helsing” isn't meant to be taken seriously. It’s a mix of parody/homage to classic Universal horror films and a somewhat serious tone, just barely. If you combined "Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992) with the over-the-top action sequences of Indiana Jones and the style of monster spoofs like “The Vampire Happening” (1971) or "Young Frankenstein” (1974), you’d get a pretty accurate idea. The film looks decent, but there's too much computer animation, and some of the creatures look very cartoonish, such as Mr. Hyde and the werewolves. Others are well-done, like the flying vampire brides and Frankenstein’s monster. Like "The Mummy Returns," it feels strangely monotonous despite all the chaotic action. Fortunately, there are glimpses of something more substantial, for example with the Frankenstein monster and Anna's character. I wish those elements had been explored further. Kate Beckinsale is a definite highlight, as she looks fantastic throughout in a striking, form-fitting costume and thigh-high boots that seem oddly appropriate for the late 1800s (and this comes from someone who isn’t even a fan). Josie Maran and Elena Anaya also make an impression as two of Dracula's brides, Marishka and Aleera. It’s safe to say there was excellent work done with the female characters. On the other hand, Jackman is a strong, masculine leading man, perfect for his role. Richard Roxburgh (Dracula), David Wenham (Carl), Kevin J. O'Connor (Igor) and Shuler Hensley (Frankenstein’s monster) are all enjoyable or effective. Ultimately, "Van Helsing" barely escapes the limitations of what it is: a big, silly modern blockbuster packed with excessive elements. Considering the $160 million budget, it could have been better. The story needed more room to develop and less constant frenetic energy. The film also runs too long at 2 hours and 11 minutes. Nevertheless, it’s an improvement over "The Mummy Returns," and there's enough entertainment value here if you're in the mood for this kind of movie. THE FILM WAS SHOT in the Czech Republic, Rome and Paris with studio work done in Southern Cal and Orlando, Florida. GRADE: B-/C+

Source on TMDB