Van Helsing [WS] [DVD] [2004]

This movie has some great visuals including the special effects, not to mention Kate Beckinsale-who always provide good visuals herself if I do say so myself. The plot isn't bad either but the villains are just so over the top and cheesy you almost have to laugh and that really ruins everything. The stunts are also unrealistic, defying the laws of physics in some cases and are clearly cgi. They really need to get rid of cgi except for backdrops because using it for people and for ridiculous stunt shots just looks cartoony-like Wiley Cayote or somthing. The sad part is that this had the potential to be a good movie, I just wish they'd fixed the problems I mentioned above prior to releasing it. Anyway, unless you're a major Kate Beckinsale or Hugh Jackman fan or a die hard monster movie fanatic I recommend skipping this one. Unfortunately for me, I am a big Kate Beckinsale fan so I most likely will suffer through this film again but I'll probably fast forward through the cheesy and unrealistic parts next time.

On paper Van Helsing has A LOT of things going for it. It's a horror film that throws back to Universals roots with their horror classics starring the insanely talented Hugh Jackman. Unfortunately the sum of its parts do not add up to a strong Horror outing in this place. The quirky comedy that made Stephen Sommers' Mummy films a fun ride fall flat in this Vampire tale that also includes Werewolves, Frankenstein and even Dr Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde. The ideas of the film are too ambitious for the time the film was made so many of the visual effects feel half backed a decade after the films original release. Universal's hope was to create a homage to the Horror classics they made some 70 years prior but the inclusion of so many of these characters makes the film feel overcrowded. In the end if you are a die fan of classic horror this will be a fun ride but the casual fan just may not get what the filmmakers were trying to do.

The film “Van Helsing” (2008) with Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale is an incredibly fast-paced, action-filled adventure, with vampires, werewolves, the Frankenstein monster and even Mr Hyde. The CGI effects are its main attraction and they are truly spectacular. The plot and the acting are also quite good, even riveting. I would definitely recommend this film to anyone interested in a non-stop escape into the realm of fantasy and adventure. The same director (Stephen Sommers) also directed the famous “mummy” movies with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. My only negative criticism is Dracula’s accent. The actor could have done a better job with the dialect coach. But this is a negligible, nit-picking criticism compared to the film’s overall appeal.

I remembered seeing this movie YEARS ago, maybe on cable - I'm not sure. But I had never heard of it, and never heard anyone talking about it so I wasn't expecting much. But I was actually blown away that first time - like WOW, HOW DID THIS ONE GET PAST ME?? It's actually a fun movie with GREAT SFX - even in this age of MIND BLOWING (AVENGERS) FX, this movie has enough eye candy for it's theme. I'm really surprised it isn't talked about or given more attention.

I loved this movie! It really surprised me the first time I saw it. I thought it was just another monster movie that would be seen and forgoten in a day, but it was awsome. One of the biggest flaws in movies is how predictable they are. This movie was finally different, never knew what was soming next. It was extreamly funny and very well made. Good acting and awsome FXs. I couldn't even believe it was a low budget movie! The endding could be concidered sad, but I really liked the way it wraps up. There aren't a lot of bonus features, but make sure you watch the gag reel! Overall it's one of my favorite movies!

I had no idea at the time who Hugh Jackman was, and never connected this movie w/ Wolverine, but after buying it, everything clicked. The graphx were amazing for the time, though they do look a little dated, now, but still, SO...MUCH...FUN! The characters are entertaining, the story is well-paced, and the action is well-done. This is one of my favorite silly movies. I can watch it again now and then and not feel like I'm completely wasting my life away...

You have to be a big fan of this type of movies in order to remotely like it. Monsters galore - with all the monsters having incredible powers until the good guys have to win the battle.graphics made this movie tolerable to watch otherwise too far fetch for my taste. Mr Jackman played an interesting role and might have been upstaged by Richard Roxburgh in some scenes. If you like the Dracula type movies you'll need to see this version.

I had heard a lot of good things about the 4K for this movie, but I was not blown away. I also feel like I remember the movie to be better than it was. Skimmed through the movie when I first got it, haven’t watched it since. If you’re a fan of the movie it could be worth getting because it is a decent upgrade in 4K, but it wasn’t a big enough upgrade for me to feel really satisfied with my purchase.