Dracula 2000

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: Vampire movies have been a great stable for horror movie writers along with the terrifying Werewolf. The tale of Nosferatu has been around for more than a century, captured by the writings of Bram Stoker. Dracula 2000 takes the classic tale of Dracula and adds a whole new slant to the story, a slant that is quite unexpected and unusual. This is one of the better Vampire movies around with a great mix of horror, style, and sensuality. This is not a classic depiction of the Dracula tale as written by Bram Stoker but it is certainly an enthralling, fast-paced, and modern tale for the Vampire lover in us all. In fact, there are numerous variations from the original story, mostly involving the history (nay, birth) of Dracula and his deeds through the ages.

The opening scene introduces Matthew Van Helsing (Christopher Plummer) and his young partner Simon Sheppard (Jonny Lee Miller) as successful antiques dealers. Discussion revolves around an ancient crossbow that Simon picked up cheaply at an auction. Van Helsing theorises that it was intended to fire metal bolts, most probably silver bolts. Solina (Jennifer Esposito) makes an entrance and there is some implied chemistry with Simon before he takes his leave.

Meanwhile, a group of tech-savvy thieves break into the holdings of Van Helsing to steal what they believe to be a great treasure of untold value. Unfortunately, their search reveals a somewhat less exciting treasure - a metal coffin. Trick (Sean Patrick Thomas) is sure that untold valuables are hidden in the coffin. All they have to do is open it. This is a task easier said than done, so they steal the whole coffin to open at their leisure. They do not escape unscathed, or with all their numbers. Van Helsing becomes aware of the intruders and in what appears to be a turn of the century James Bond imitation attempts to capture the thieves and prevent them making off with the coffin. He fails - "God Help Us". It is fairly evident what happens from here. Dracula (Gerard Butler, in a fantastic performance) escapes and makes his way to New Orleans. Why New Orleans? Well this is where you find Mary Heller (Justine Waddell) and disregarding the plot for a moment why wouldn't you want to find her... Van Helsing and Simon are in a flight against time to find Mary before Dracula has his way.

Wrapped amidst a soundtrack ranging from orchestral score to heavy metal this is a very modern and accessible tale of Dracula that will appeal to all horror fans. There is just the right measures of gore, action, sensuality, and plot (yes, you still need plot) to ensure your attention does not waver. I couldn't agree more with the tagline - "The Most Seductive Evil Of All Time Has Now Been Unleashed In Ours". Highly recommended.