Film reviews

Gabriel Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) is given a mission by a secret organization to terminate Count Dracula (Richard Roxburgh), who is the evil ruler of Transylvania as well as a dangerous and practically undefeatable vampire. Along the way, he meets Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale), who is the last remaining survivor of a rich and powerful family and craves revenge on Count Dracula for the death of her ancestors. Anna Varlerious joins forces with Van Helsing and his partner Carl (David Wenham) to track down and destroy their one common enemy. But how do you actually kill someone who is not even living in the first place? Spoiler During an attack, Van Helsing is conveniently bitten by a werewolf who was once Anna’s brother. Only werewolves can kill vampires.

Hugh Jackman looks dashing as always without compromising his acting skills and Kate Beckinsale is believable in her commanding role. The only qualms I have is Richard Roxburgh’s acting as the Count Dracula. He wasn’t intimidating or threatening or even seductive in his role and I find him laughable as a villain. Also, the movie doesn't end up as gripping as it could be, what with the presence of a Frankenstein monster, werewolves and vampires. In the end, it just ends up as another B-grade action movie. It is worth a watch, though, with its stunning cinematography and a beautiful set and cast. It’s just more worthwhile to borrow your friend’s DVD rather than to buy your own.