Van Helsing (2004)

continued...

... Frankenstein's monster, and Drac's trio of sexy (if shrieking) vampire brides. The movie even ends by shamelessly ripping off a scene from the Lion King. This is one of those flicks that doesn't make any sense, nor does it try to.

Still, it is relentlessly entertaining in a couple of ways. The gothic sets and costumes are wonderful, as are many of the stunts and special effects. Due to the production values alone, this is a gothic horror show to end all gothic horror shows. It's style over substance turned up to 11.

Then we must take into account the so-bad-it's good factor. The dialogue is laughable bad and there's plot holes big enough to fit Castle Dracula in. Yet because of the gleefully hammy acting, I found myself embracing these flaws instead of scorning them. The actors are clearly having more fun than any professional film critic will allow themselves to have.

Long story short, this is one of those turn your brain off movies. If I started picking this apart, this review would be 100 pages long. There's a lot that's bad here. But if I get into the right frame of mind, I can enjoy an entertaining romp through some pop-cultural sludge. 'Nuff said.

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