Are you looking for an insightful drama with in-depth character delineations, and historically accurate costuming? If so, then go rent "The Bostonians".

Although Van Helsing won't give you the most realistic story-line ever written, what it will deliver is an uncomplicated, action-packed adventure comic book - plain & simple.

Packing all the excitement & adventure of Raiders Of the Lost Ark (as well as the trade-mark fedora) this movie is nicely gothic, occasionally erotic and profoundly visual.

The name of the game here is "suspension of disbelief". If you're good at that, then you're in for the time of your life!

Visually, it's one of the greatest films ever made. Photo-realistically speaking it's right up there with Star Wars, Gladiator and Blade Runner. Except by comparison, those movies were far more believable than Van Helsing.

Our hero is Gabriel Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) - a bounty hunter employed by a super secret branch of the Vatican, whose operational structure, intelligence gathering system and chain of command is a blatant (albeit humorous) take-off on James Bond - complete with a cantankerous boss and a slightly eccentric weapons-inventor (reminiscent of Ian Fleming's "M" and "Q".)

After touring the research & development factory and then being properly equipped to kick but & take names, Van Helsing is dispatched to Transylvania on a mission to terminate the most recent "blip" on Roman Catholic Radar. You guessed it: Count Dracula. "Terminate with extreme prejudice".

Once in country, Van Helsing teams up with the wildly gorgeous temptress. Despite living in 12th Century Transylvania, 'Anna' wears spandex fanny push-ups, is more liberated than Heidi Fleiss and about as helpless & delicate as an LAPD SWAT Team on coccaine.

The story (through some liberal poetic license) blends the legend of Dracula with the stories of Frankenstein, the Werewolf and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.

Remember - suspension of disbelief.

That said, the producers do a very good job with an extremely unbelievable plot.

If you're looking for a good time - then leave your logical mind at home and treat yourself to this edge-of-your-seat rollercoaster ride. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give Van Helsing a Fantastically Fun '6'.



Recommended: Yes