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Van Helsing
- Review Date: October 17, 2004
- PG-13
- Genre: Horror
- 2004
Common Sense Media says
This is one vampire movie with bite.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie has non-stop and intense action, with characters in constant extreme peril. There are gross and violent images and many characters are killed. There are a lot of jump-out-at-you surprises and grotesque creatures. Characters use brief mild bad words. There are brief mild sexual references and a non-explicit sexual situation.
What's the story?
VAN HELSING starts with a bang, even the movie studio's logo a part of a glorious black-and-white intro that wonderfully evokes James Whale's iconic scene of Viktor Frankenstein screaming "It's ALIVE!" as the monster created from pieces of seven men is shocked into life and torch-bearing villagers are getting closer to the castle door. But then Dracula (Richard Roxburgh), who can regenerate when he is wounded, shows up to say, "It's a pity your moment of triumph is being spoiled over a little thing like grave robbery," and things take a surprising turn. A year later, a guy in the coolest fedora since Indiana Jones is fighting a monster. It is Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman), a man who knows that he is here to fight evil, but is not sure why. He seems to remember fighting the Romans at Masada (that would be in about the year 72) but can't remember the details of his past. When asked whether he is a holy man or a murderer, he says, "A bit of both." All he ever needs to know is "What are we dealing with and how do I kill it?"
Is it any good?
This is one vampire movie with bite. It's a deliciously entertaining thrill ride that pleasurably tweaks new thrills from old stories. Thankfully, little time is wasted on exposition and explanations. Van Helsing is pretty much non-stop action, more thrill ride or video game than story. And that's fine with me. The production design is fabulously entertaining and imaginative. The monsters are all re-imagined with a great deal of flair, particularly Frankenstein's creation, one of the best of his many screen portrayals. The CGI effects are exceptionally well done, subtle details add a great deal of depth and atmosphere, and there are many intricate contraptions and a lot of slimy, dripping gloop.
Some good dialogue is delivered with a lot of panache. The movie takes itself seriously enough to have us care about the outcome but has enough of a sense of humor to provide Van Helsing with a cheery sidekick with a knack for weapons technology. Jackman has all that it takes to be both leading man and action hero. Kate Beckinsale is fine as Anna, the last in the line of her family, which for generations has been dedicated to wiping out the vampires. But in a movie like this, what matters is the bad guys, and Roxburgh is just right as Dracula, sinuous and seductive, a little effete, a little theatrical, and deliciously bloodthirsty.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the original sources and enduring appeal of characters like Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and the Wolfman. They could talk about the villagers' decision that since the vampires killed only one or two people a month, they should not try to stop them. They might want to talk about the ending, whether it was a surprise and how they feel about it.
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AGE
It's a vampire flick, what do you expect?
This movie was scary. Especially the masquerade ball scene. There were also many scenes with almost-over-the-top violence. This is a really high rated PG-13 rating. It probably would've been rated R if there were a bit more blood. It was very entertaining, however. The scenes are all okay if you are mature enough. Do NOT show it to elementary school kids though. It might give them terrifying nightmares. Think of it like your average vampire movie (barring the Twilight saga) Throw in classic monster movie monsters, take out a lot of the blood, and star Hugh Jackman as the lead vampire hunter.
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AGE
violent but good
I think this is a good movie but u dont need to watch it if u get scared easily because it can get scary for some people at times
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AGE
Not for everyone, but not bad
The combination of the Frankenstein monster, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dracula, and the Wolfman was interesting, to say the least. For such an in-your-face, "oh-look-something-else-just-popped-out-and-scared-my-socks-off" movie, I thought they did a pretty good job. Hugh Jackman was wonderful as the title character, though I think that Kate Beckinsale overdid her Transylvanian accent just a tad. And honestly, what vampire-killing woman would, in her right mind, wear high-heeled boots? The vampire chicks, while a little freaky, were pretty awesome, though their outfits were defnitely veering towards scandalous. I thought Richard Roxburgh was wonderful as Dracula, and you had to love David Wenham as the bumbling friar with a perfect throw. The ending wasn't perfect, but it was satisfactory in its sadness, somewhat touching, and it did fit. The movie was kind of violent, a little gruesome, but hey, we're dealing with literature's most fearsome monsters, so what can we expect?
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AGE
Great , not that scary for about 10+
Great movie , and a good storyline to , and i will never get bored of this movie . To younger viewers , it might be a little scaring , especially when the werewolf is in the house , and the woman see's him , "rip his skin apart" , as he climbs the wall (not as bad as it sounds , trust me!) . And possibly the part when the man is setting a trap , for the werewolf , when (in the bushes) , the werewolf looks , (but you dont see this) , then there's rustling noises , the you see the features of the werewolf (teeth , eyes ) then more , then all , the werewolf jumps infront of the screen then. Thats all , but less about that , it's about how "adventureous , and entertaining it is" . A "must buy" movie .
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AGE
Guaranteed To Keep You Entertained
This is one great movie. I've seen this movie 4 times and it has kept me entertained every time. The visual effects are amazing and it has an intriguing story. This is no doubt a 5-star movie. One aspect that kept me entertained is that this is non-stop action. This movie is a roller coaster of a ride and never lets up for more than 2 minutes. I would give this a pause for 12 year old's. I think most 12 year old's could handle it, but some might get scared. There is no language in the movie, however in one scene, a women has implied sex with a man in return for saving her life. There are many scary monsters such as the werewolf, Dracula, his 3 wives, Dracula's kids (which are little flying monsters) and Mr.Hyde. There is lots of violence, however no gore, and very little blood. Consider watching the movie with your kid is he/she is scared easily.
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AGE
Awesomely cool movie
Yea this movie was great! Your favorite monsters are featured and your screen isn't broken -- just the first few minutes are black and white. The movie keeps you interested and puzzled at some parts. I say that any brave 5 year old could see it but I'd recomend it to 10 years+. The only downside is that the ending may not make sense. I do not recall any launguage but it's a great horor/comedy.
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AGE
Excellent!
Totally loved this movie. Could watch again and again.
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AGE
Van Helsing
Great movie, with great actors. Intense battle sequences, and very little blood. Plus Kate is super hott in this movie, so all the better.
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AGE
great for tweens and up but little kids is prob a not good idea
I've seen the movie quite a few time and sure it's strange but most sexual things for younger children in this movie will slide by but older will proabaly catch on,language is pretty mild,and the violence is bacily supernatural fighting it is of course a movie with vampires and werewolves.
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Stephen Sommers |
| Cast: | Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Roxburgh |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Run time: | 132 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 7, 2004 |
| DVD release date: | October 19, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | nonstop creature action violence and frightening images, and for sensuality |
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