 Set in the late 19th century, this modern, monster movie provides some new twists on age-old mythical tales.
Although it shows great passion and respect for its predecessors, it also manages to pack in some very tongue-in-cheek humour, not to mention some big-budget, special effects
which to be perfectly honest are little over-used, yet not too surprising considering this film was directed by David Sommers, who brought the spectacular 'The Mummy' and 'The Mummy Returns' to our screens. It tells the story of famed fiend hunter Dr. Gabriel Van Helsing, played by Hugh Jackman, who with some all-out action stunts and snappy one-liners is a far cry from Peter Cushing's rather more straight portrayal of the same character in the 1974 movie, 'The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires'. Van Helsing is sent to Europe to battle with those evil beings which dawn as the sun goes down. Against massive sets and across the rolling back drops of London, Paris, Rome and Transylvania, he finds himself head-to-head with the likes of Mr. Hyde (Robbie Coltrane), Frankenstein's Monster (Shurler Hensley), the Wolf-Man (Will Kemp) and Count Vladislaus Dracula (Richard Roxburgh)
. not to mention his three blood-thirsty brides! Close by our hero's side
just the way he likes it
is the rather ravishing Anna (Kate Beckinsale), the last remaining member of a family committed to ridding the world of evil and if she fails a whole generation will be condemned to purgatory forever! So
garlic, holy water and crucifixes at the ready. 'Van Helsing' is certainly a non-stop roller coaster ride of creepy creature violence
a moment of which you won't want to miss, unless of course you don't like to see mythology evolve. Expect the unexpected! Don't miss our films section! You know you wanna have a nosey at it! The views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC. | 
