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#26 2009-09-19 09:08:09

Roi Doberwolf
Pleasantville resident
From: PA
Registered: 2009-09-18
Posts: 167
Website

Re: Van Helsing

WolfMontana wrote:

I personally enjoyed the flick, but recognized it's ridiculousness. Still, made me happy seeing Hugh Jackman get fuzzy wink

What you said! big_smile

I'm surprised to hear so many people didn't like it. I personally loved it! I think I borrowed it from our neighbor when I first watched it. Shortly after that it was on my B-Day list. ^^
I just loved the whole thing! The plot was good (though really not that great), and it had humor, and of course the werewolves looked friggen amazing! X3
The only real beef I had with the wolves was that their arms were kinda too ape-ish, and they were tail-less. O.O
Personally I perfer tails on my werewolfies, but it's different to all I recon (and at least they gave it the dignity of having hair unlike the HP werewolf!!! D: ).
Oh, and the vamps and Frankenstein's monster were great too.


"Man is not a beast. Compared to man, beast are angels. Do they kill their own for the sake of killing?
Do they worship Satan? Man wrecks, and ravages, and calls the devil. But unlike beasts, and unlike angels...
Man can cry, and confess, and repent. Change, and begin again. GIVE THE DEVIL HELL!"

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#27 2009-09-24 23:01:38

Masqueffex
Member
Registered: 2009-09-24
Posts: 29

Re: Van Helsing

There werewolf definitely had cool idea about him, but I'd like to see a movie make that type of werewolf without using CGI. I'm not against CGI for transformations but its so much more fun when the werewolf is as realistic as possible. That's why I like the Wolfman because he looks so realistic.

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#28 2010-03-05 07:37:16

KCat
Member
Registered: 2010-02-06
Posts: 36

Re: Van Helsing

Recently re-watched this film, and I find it enjoyable. And I guess I'm the only person on the planet who doesn't particularly care for Kate Beckinsale (her acting or her looks), after watching both this film and Underworld. Though I'll give her credit that I really didn't notice it was her until it was pointed out. It was mainly that accent that really put me off (of identifying her, or possibly liking the character)..

I still think it has the best looking werewolves on film (if lacking tails), and as much I prefer practical effects, I really don't think they could've gotten away without using CG given the creature design and its movements.

My main issues with the movie mostly dealt with the theatrics, and story compression (time flows very awkwardly in this movie, and it would've been a lot more poignant if the various story elements were better fleshed out). Like when Anna and Velkin are attempting to kill the first werewolf. Okay, the werewolf falls into a pit trap, which has a bag and cage. Okay, the bag and cage has a pully system that lifts it up. On the way up, the top of the cage hits Anna's feet and she does a backflip. Wait, what? Absolutely no point at all to it.. she just stands there, touches the cage with her feet, and does a backflip. And as much as Anna gets knocked into trees, falls onto branches and rooftops, against brick walls, she's able to maintain her composure surprisingly well and barely get a scratch, if not make a 10-point landing (though a pimp slap from a woman knocks her on her ass).

Also, the whole rope-swinging scene in Dracula's castle.. it defies all known laws of physics (note: when you swing downward, you don't end up in a room up near the same level that you started at). The whole movie had very volatile weather patterns, too.. switching from rain to snow to clear and back at the drop of a hat (not sure if this should go under story/time compression, or theatrics; probably both).


What I liked about the movie, besides the werewolf design, were the visual effects in general. I remember thinking how well the CGI blended with the live action (a rare feat, even today), and it's still enjoyable to look at, even if noticeably dated. I liked the performances given by Dracula, Carl and Igor, even if they acted more like caricatures than characters (Velkin, Dr. Frankenstein, and Frankenstein's Monster, who also had good performances, are the only ones in the film that acted like actual characters really, IMO). The first scene was also really well done. It gave a feeling of old horror movies, but still was obviously modern. Dr. Frankenstein's fear and skittishness came across well, especially with how Dracula was moving "impossibly" from one place to another. And it worked as a nice springboard for what the plot was supposed to be. If only the story had room to bring out the plot and not trip over itself. The ending battle was also very fun to watch (can't complain about a good looking werewolf laying the smack-down on a vampire).. only marred by Van Helsing getting cured and turning back human. tongue

Overall, it's a good movie to ogle at the werewolves, with some nice action if you can turn off your brain. A lot of wasted potential, that I wonder may have turned up in the novelization (was there one?).

Last edited by KCat (2010-03-05 07:47:09)

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#29 2010-03-05 09:36:24

Daninsky
Member
From: Germany
Registered: 2007-01-09
Posts: 417
Website

Re: Van Helsing

KCat wrote:

Overall, it's a good movie to ogle at the werewolves, with some nice action if you can turn off your brain. A lot of wasted potential, that I wonder may have turned up in the novelization (was there one?).

Two actually, a YA version and a, well, other version, less YA'ish I guess.
I read neither because the movie didn't really catch me, I found it to be too self conscious about its own silliness.


Call no man happy 'til he dies

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#30 2010-03-05 14:21:57

alphanubilus
Member
Registered: 2006-06-27
Posts: 72

Re: Van Helsing

Having read the book, it unfortunately shed little light on the rather weak plot for the movie. It doesn't reveal who Gabriel Van Helsing is. It doesn't reveal why Dracula is ONLY able to be killed by werewolves. The book basically retells the movie, but with a bit more detail. Van Helsing is a fun movie, but like many have already said, you really start getting annoyed when you consider what it COULD have been.

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#31 2010-03-05 22:09:06

WereWolfH
Member
Registered: 2007-07-10
Posts: 928

Re: Van Helsing

Masqueffex wrote:

There werewolf definitely had cool idea about him, but I'd like to see a movie make that type of werewolf without using CGI. I'm not against CGI for transformations but its so much more fun when the werewolf is as realistic as possible. That's why I like the Wolfman because he looks so realistic.

ummm "Cursed" did this, nah sorry we're soooo not there yet. It's a shame the technology hasn't advanced in a decade. It looked like the Ninja turtle masks as far as realism. I liked the CG.


"I got somethin' I wanna tell ya'. I'm not like other guys...

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#32 2010-08-12 12:41:16

Darkwolf117
Member
Registered: 2010-07-20
Posts: 23

Re: Van Helsing

Personally, I've got good memories of the movie. It's been awhile since I watched it though, so I'd have to check it out again to remember all the specifics. However, I do remember that, in my opinion at least, the werewolves looked pretty awesome, and the final fight between Dracula and Van Helsing was extremely kickass. I don't think I had any problems with the acting, but I may need to check it out again before I say for certain...

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#33 2010-08-12 13:19:48

Daninsky
Member
From: Germany
Registered: 2007-01-09
Posts: 417
Website

Re: Van Helsing

Well, movies in the rear view mirror appear better than they are. smile


Call no man happy 'til he dies

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#34 2010-08-12 15:46:19

zockereinstein
Member
Registered: 2009-05-12
Posts: 238

Re: Van Helsing

The important fact about Van Helsing is that its genre is action instead of terror, I mean, from that point of view the werewolf can be considered "cool" wink. It fulfills its purpose perfectly.
And yes, I enjoyed it as an "action movie".

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#35 2010-08-13 22:18:25

Reptile
Member
From: Inside you!
Registered: 2010-06-15
Posts: 140

Re: Van Helsing

-Walks up to the podium. Rearranges papers for a moment. Adjusts glasses. Clears throat.-

I liked the Wolfman werewolves better. Anyone who takes offense can contact my secretary.

http://www.gamereplays.org/community/uploads/post-90027-1205171981.jpg

-Flips through papers for a moment, nods to himself. Walks off stage.-

Last edited by Reptile (2010-08-13 22:20:23)


WARNING: The contents of this post may be vitriolic and/or offensive to samurai warriors, ninjas, tough dudes, computer using felines and people with pure wolfy spirits. Viewer discretion is advised.

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#36 2010-08-13 23:39:46

Viergacht
Member
Registered: 2009-07-23
Posts: 536

Re: Van Helsing

Yeah, the Van Helsing werewolves were way too cartoony. Werewolves should not bounce around like giant ping pong balls, nor should they suddenly float up in the air like helium balloons as they shapeshift. Seriously, WTF was up with that?!?

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#37 2010-08-14 00:50:56

Reptile
Member
From: Inside you!
Registered: 2010-06-15
Posts: 140

Re: Van Helsing

Viergacht wrote:

Yeah, the Van Helsing werewolves were way too cartoony. Werewolves should not bounce around like giant ping pong balls, nor should they suddenly float up in the air like helium balloons as they shapeshift. Seriously, WTF was up with that?!?

The part were the werewolves seemed to posses the ability to spider climb made me raise my eyebrow as well. And they apparently have green blood judging from the trap scene.

All in all, the only thing that I liked at all about that movie was Kate Beckinsale's ridiculous leather corset.


WARNING: The contents of this post may be vitriolic and/or offensive to samurai warriors, ninjas, tough dudes, computer using felines and people with pure wolfy spirits. Viewer discretion is advised.

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#38 2010-08-25 03:43:07

venusstephen
New member
Registered: 2010-08-25
Posts: 3

Re: Van Helsing

Van Heising was released in 2004. It was greatest vampire movie I ever saw. I like the movie very much. I Enjoy every section of the movie.
I saw this movie more than twice times.  The movie got best reviews form the people. Many people like the movie very much.

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#39 2010-08-25 14:23:50

Viergacht
Member
Registered: 2009-07-23
Posts: 536

Re: Van Helsing

Reptile wrote:

Viergacht wrote:

Yeah, the Van Helsing werewolves were way too cartoony. Werewolves should not bounce around like giant ping pong balls, nor should they suddenly float up in the air like helium balloons as they shapeshift. Seriously, WTF was up with that?!?

The part were the werewolves seemed to posses the ability to spider climb made me raise my eyebrow as well. And they apparently have green blood judging from the trap scene.

All in all, the only thing that I liked at all about that movie was Kate Beckinsale's ridiculous leather corset.

I mean, I can understand them wanting to make the monsters looks powerful and athletic, but their physics were just way off. It ended up looking like something out of a Wily Coyote cartoon, too silly to be impressive.

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#40 2010-08-26 04:55:02

SpiritWolf
New member
Registered: 2010-08-22
Posts: 4

Re: Van Helsing

I like the werewolves, despite the physics being way off. I just thought the werewolves looked much better in Van Helsing than in older werewolf movies. They looked more like bipedal wolves than pathetic hairy humans with fangs. big_smile


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#41 2010-08-26 13:06:13

Viergacht
Member
Registered: 2009-07-23
Posts: 536

Re: Van Helsing

They were kind of weird looking with those narrow skulls.

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#42 2010-08-26 21:13:13

Totalimmortal
HAHAHAHA...get it?
Registered: 2007-06-01
Posts: 4857

Re: Van Helsing

I don't mind the look of the werewolves in Van Helsing. tongue I know they were cartoony, but most of the movie was that way to begin with.

It is a pretty stupid movie 90% of the time, though, I will give you that

Last edited by Totalimmortal (2010-08-26 21:19:53)


I'll come down and get you high.  Maybe sing you a lullaby.  Sing you to sleep, a sleep you'll never wake from.  Sing you to coma, so to speak.

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#43 2010-08-26 21:31:26

wolfblood17
Member
From: Insane Asylum
Registered: 2009-04-14
Posts: 695

Re: Van Helsing

True, it was cheesy (stupid)... but what can you expect from Hollywood anymore other than crap?


big_smile (with fangs!)

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