Set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, (intriguingly, it was filmed a whole six months after the real Mardi Gras) the whole film has amazing vibrancy and colour, although a lot of critics agreed that the whole movie has a 'rock music video' quality about it. For me, that's what makes it so enjoyable. New Orleans seems to be the favourite setting for films that encompass decadence, seduction and sinister indulgence within its themes. While the dialogue may not be of Shakespearean proportions and the acting at times, can dip its toe into the pool of pantomime, the film itself is very enjoyable. But most of all, it offers a new take on the ideas of Dracula's origins.
All in all, this movie fares a lot better than I thought it would. For one, the casting is tremendous. Gerard Butler's Dracula has to be one of the most menacing, sexy and downright cool portrayals of the fanged one ever brought to screen. Johnny Lee Miller is savvy and slick as the noble, yet slightly unlikely crusader-against-all-evil/antique-dealer. Jeri Ryan, Jennifer Esposita and Colleen Anne Fitzpatrick all ham it up with relish as a trinity of Dracula's sinister and seductive 'Brides'. Christopher Plummer's eccentric and slightly insane Van Helsing is pure class, proving he can be as unhinged as you like, and still look good in a three-piece suit. The only one I think lets the movie down is Justine Waddell as Mary Heller. Tough as it may be to constantly be in terror, she doesn't do such a grand job. She's cold, prissy and damned annoying. Now, if you knew Dracula was after your immortal soul, you'd put up a bit more of a fight really, wouldn't you? The soundtracks are also top-notch, and it brings the Dracula story bang up to date. You have to laugh, as Dracula stands transfixed under a huge video-wall blaring out a choice heavy rock tune along to images of gyrating strippers, nuclear explosions and body piercing. "Brilliant!" he says. Although after being locked in a coffin for a hundred years, a Westlife music video would probably seem like a work of genius to this poor guy.
As anyone who watches a vampire film will agree, one of the things that makes a film like this good, is the gore factor. The film doesn't disappoint, although it's a little more subtle than some would like. There's some amusing beheadings, vampire attacks, and even one or two short fight scenes thrown in for good measure (although I'll never understand why all vampires seem to have a certain amount of martial arts expertise). All of this, and it still manages a few good one-liners, like Simon's victorious "Never, ever f**k with an antiques dealer!" As long as you try not to engage brain too much and let the pretty colours, pretty actors and pretty soundtracks entertain, you won't be disappointed.
All in all, this movie fares a lot better than I thought it would. For one, the casting is tremendous. Gerard Butler's Dracula has to be one of the most menacing, sexy and downright cool portrayals of the fanged one ever brought to screen. Johnny Lee Miller is savvy and slick as the noble, yet slightly unlikely crusader-against-all-evil/antique-dealer. Jeri Ryan, Jennifer Esposita and Colleen Anne Fitzpatrick all ham it up with relish as a trinity of Dracula's sinister and seductive 'Brides'. Christopher Plummer's eccentric and slightly insane Van Helsing is pure class, proving he can be as unhinged as you like, and still look good in a three-piece suit. The only one I think lets the movie down is Justine Waddell as Mary Heller. Tough as it may be to constantly be in terror, she doesn't do such a grand job. She's cold, prissy and damned annoying. Now, if you knew Dracula was after your immortal soul, you'd put up a bit more of a fight really, wouldn't you? The soundtracks are also top-notch, and it brings the Dracula story bang up to date. You have to laugh, as Dracula stands transfixed under a huge video-wall blaring out a choice heavy rock tune along to images of gyrating strippers, nuclear explosions and body piercing. "Brilliant!" he says. Although after being locked in a coffin for a hundred years, a Westlife music video would probably seem like a work of genius to this poor guy.
As anyone who watches a vampire film will agree, one of the things that makes a film like this good, is the gore factor. The film doesn't disappoint, although it's a little more subtle than some would like. There's some amusing beheadings, vampire attacks, and even one or two short fight scenes thrown in for good measure (although I'll never understand why all vampires seem to have a certain amount of martial arts expertise). All of this, and it still manages a few good one-liners, like Simon's victorious "Never, ever f**k with an antiques dealer!" As long as you try not to engage brain too much and let the pretty colours, pretty actors and pretty soundtracks entertain, you won't be disappointed.