I've always unironically enjoyed this movie. It's nice to see that I'm not alone.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

We're gonna take over the world! One Van Helsing appreciation moment at a time!

@darkforremancer5039

7 ай бұрын

Same here. I love this movie. I’ve never understood why some people liked the director Stephen Sommers’s style in the Mummy but then said they hated Van Helsing.

@jackalope7774

7 ай бұрын

@@darkforremancer5039^Exactly this! I’ve asked that question for YEARS! Lol

@roderick8167

6 ай бұрын

Hell yeah this movie kicks ass ! 🤘🔥

@TheHestya

6 ай бұрын

I didn't even know people disliked it. I loved it as a teen.

Can we all agree that the werewolves in Van Helsing still holds up pretty well and look waay waay better than most werewolves we got since then? Damn those are some really good looking furry fellas

@BetterWithBob

7 ай бұрын

Agreed!

@gregorygreenwood-nimmo4954

7 ай бұрын

I tend to prefer practical effects over CGI, but with that said I would definitely agree that the werewolves in Van Helsing are the best CGI werewolves I have ever seen committed to screen.

@jackalope7774

7 ай бұрын

I do think these werewolves are my favorite as far as CGI goes. Practically though, my favorites are Dog Soldiers.

@gregorygreenwood-nimmo4954

7 ай бұрын

@@jackalope7774 Dog Soldiers is a good call - one of my favourite werewolf movies with great practical effects achieved on a modest budget.

@TheAkwarium

6 ай бұрын

I also like how every werewolf in this movie looks different from each other

The Werewolf design in this is great, especially Hugh Jackman's Werewolf form, it looks absolutely frightening, and savage

@nikoblack1272

7 ай бұрын

i forgot that they all have distinct coloring too ; i think Velkan is more of a reddish brown than the first one and Gabriel is fully black -

@Mournforthelost96

6 ай бұрын

Agreed. These are some of my favorite werewolf designs in all media.

@Peagaporto

6 ай бұрын

All of that but still somewhat heroic. I remember on the making of they said they were inspired by heavy metal singers for the wolf.

@ChristmasCarolyn

6 ай бұрын

I still remember the transformation scene was quite the talk of the town in the animation/vfx industry when it 1st came out. I still remember the behind the scenes look at it that a guest speaker at an animation convention played at the time, and how amazed I was at the seamless transition. It's now dated, but at the time, it was considered amazing CGI effects.

@tbunny6305

6 ай бұрын

IT's what werewolves were always supposed to look like

This is the closest thing to a Castlevania movie we'll ever get

@kundudelcastillo

7 ай бұрын

Preach ✊🏻

@Noqtis

5 ай бұрын

Not if you survive the next 5 years because soon the perfect castlevania movie is just a prompt away.

@lionheart4424

5 ай бұрын

Exactly my thoughts rewatching the movie last year.

@laszloneumann500

5 ай бұрын

a PROMPT away XD someone is delusional af@@Noqtis

@Noqtis

5 ай бұрын

@@laszloneumann500 AI will replace you and that's a good thing, because you did a horrible job.

Van Helsing is definitely one of my favorite movies. I also agree that the Brides were amazing! They were definitely one of my favorite things in the movie. The story is just amazing!

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

I'm ecstatic to meet more fans ^_^

@nlgrrtt

7 ай бұрын

Same

@gogojest9367

7 ай бұрын

I loved the brides part too when it was first on screen, and always feel sad (some of )they died too quick, I just couldn't have enough of them lol.

@nos_31

7 ай бұрын

Nah it still sucks

@nlgrrtt

7 ай бұрын

@@nos_31 boo

If i had a nickel for every time Hugh Jackman played a badass with amnesia and filmed a climactic scene shirtless and holding the body of a love interest he just killed while crying, i would have two nickels, which isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened twice.

@BetterWithBob

3 ай бұрын

Oh that's happened with a lot of actors. I came up with a list a while ago: *Leonardo DiCaprio is haunted by his dead wife - The Revenant, Shutter Island, Inception *Jennifer Connelly stands at the end of a pier - Dark City, Requiem For A Dream, House of Sand & Fog *Brian Cox created an assassin with amnesia - X-Men 2, The Long Kiss Goodnight, The Bourne Identity *Keanu Reeves kills himself to save the world - Constantine, The Devil's Advocate, The Matrix Revolutions *Ellen Burstyn is the elderly child to a parent who stayed young - Interstellar, The Age of Adaline *Keira Knightley is really dead but someone made up a happy ending for her - *SPOILERS* The Hole, Atonement

VanHelsing’s backstory was revealed very eloquently and seamlessly. And Anna was fierce without being a total damsel in distress!

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

You said it :)

@Dredfullart

7 ай бұрын

Anna made such an impression on me that I have a character kinda based on and named after her (kinda). Now that I think abt it the whoöe plot of my comic is inspired by the movie vibe

@jacobreubenaglipa5669

7 ай бұрын

best my favorite childhood movie.

The best Anna scene is easily when she's being rescued from the masquerade ball and she grabs a fucking flail as if she's gonna fight off all the vampires, but she needs to be pulled away by Van Helsing. Just a quick moment that always reminds me how lowkey funny this film is

I have genuinely loved this movie ever since it came out. The black and white opening really sets up the atmosphere. Richard Roxburgh’s Dracula is FANTASTIC and so much fun, while still conveying menace. The set design is top notch 👌 Also, if you get the chance to listen to the cast audio commentary- do it! Absolutely hilarious 😂

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

I'll have to track that down lol

@TheGUNdalf

7 ай бұрын

Exactly!

@mretie

7 ай бұрын

That black and white opening always reminded me of Young Frankenstein because that was one of my first older films. For me, it was a really great reminder mentally for the beginning of this movie. Going to add that commentary to my list!

@Alexandra_Indina

7 ай бұрын

Yes! YES! YASSSSS!!!!

My best friend adored this version of Dracula, and hated the Duke from Moulin Rouge without realizing they were the same

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

I wouldn't have known unless the back of the VHS said that's what he was known for lol

@caittails

7 ай бұрын

Ok but…same 😅

@jeremycullen

7 ай бұрын

same. Such a great actor for these roles lol

@mretie

7 ай бұрын

One role had BDE and one role had SDE... it's all about the energy 😆

@tyrannicpuppy

6 ай бұрын

And his role as the bad guy's right hand in MI:2. Dude lost a finger to prove his loyalty. Roxburgh is great.

Werewolves in van helsing is my very first introduction to them, and set my werewolf design high. That design is chefs kiss to me. Even dracula with his coat as wings.

@BetterWithBob

7 ай бұрын

Yes! I love the 'clothes to wings' transition that happens for all the vampires

My friends and I loved this version of dracula. He over acts everything as a way to incite or emulate emotions because he feels nothing. He's dead. And this is why he and his vampires always behave in such grandiose and dramatic ways. It's a nice way to show how trapped in purgatory becoming undead truly is. He is seductive, intimidating, funny, and charismatic by deep psychological need. He has to act everything because he doesnt feel it. And being dracula, him being an actual actor feels like a monstrous blood thirsty warlord while human. Its just so good. And theres so much else thats good. This movie stands the test of time because it had sincere effort into it. You could forgive the silliness

@BetterWithBob

3 ай бұрын

All very good points XD

The Brides were indeed I-f**king-conic! Richard Roxburgh can ham like few can but boy oh boy was he the best cast for this role. Fun little tidbit: You've got 2 Aussies playing non-aussie characters and the villains chief wife was Richards IRL wife, cast because when Richard did his screen test his wife was the stand-in because they hadn't cast any of the wives yet. Stephen loved her and the rest is history. Please have a crack at the Underworld series! For Michael Sheens performance alone Underworld is worthy of praise.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

You must be psychic. I was literally just watching Evolution a few minutes ago XD

@cheezybastard8661

8 ай бұрын

@@BetterWithBob *Charles Xavier pose*

@mickeyhart7507

8 ай бұрын

@@BetterWithBob Oh Hell yeah the best one DO IT! That'd be so cool to hear your thoughts on the Underworld series.

@thepubknight6144

7 ай бұрын

​@@BetterWithBob As a diehard underworld fan (Selene is my favorite) I love Kate's role as Annie it's similar to her Selene character just with a Romania accent she did very well

@HappyBeezerStudios

7 ай бұрын

Nothing like a villain who is a master of overacting and owns every scene. Not only in this film but also in the Street Fighter movie or in the D&D movie.

It was an entertaining movie. Not every movie has to be life changing or make a person ponder on the mystery of life. Some movies just need to be fun to watch with a bucket of popcorn and friends. This movie does that.

@sebbie153

6 ай бұрын

Yes, however this movie did even get deep. The whole what makes something evil conversations questioning the creature was heartbreaking. The creature is so pure and self sacrificing

Funny how movies like this get the recognition they deserve years later. Underrated Cult Classics that need to see the light again for the newer audiences today. This movie is in my top 10 and was the first movie that introduced me to the world of Vampires and Werewolves.

Agree on all fronts, I also miss movies like Van Helsing and the Mummy so much that commit hard to a world and aesthetic. Also just want to say, hats off for the production value! 42 minutes is a lot and the whole video flowed smoothly both in edits and script. Thank you for your work!

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

I think it's my longest one in ages lol

One of my absolute favorites. The world building is everything I look for in a movie like this. Also, I’m pretty sure this movie was my bi awakening. The brides are definitely the best part of this film. I’ve always loved this version of Dracula too. The little bit of tragedy behind the story of his children being born dead is great. I love that his motivation is bringing them to life.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Yes to all counts! And such a great way to merge the Dracula and Frankenstein stories as well

I never understood why this movie didn't get more love back when it came out. It's one of my all time favorites. I'm a Universal Movie Monsters fan, and you could feel the love and passion for the classic monsters here. It genuinely was the perfect Cinematic Universal Monsters Movie Crossover Film, I couldn't ask for more (unless of course they had Gillman as the guard, but even so that does feel like it would mess with the pacing). The characters are great and I love the performances. The Brides and Dracula are of course a highlight and I love Van Helsing, Anna, and Carl. The Frankenstein's Monster is also a great presence too. Until this video I had no idea that Aleera had a deleted scene at the ball, now I want to see that! If I had to guess, maybe it didn't do well critically because ending the movie with Anna's untimely death was a sad note to leave the audience with when they leave the theater given how enjoyable she was as a character and it was a bit abrupt.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

One of my friends who was in the industry at the time theorises that it wasn't advertised as camp or OTT and so people were expecting something serious

@rc59191

7 ай бұрын

Movie critics gotta ruin everything.

@leudast1215

7 ай бұрын

movie critics made and break cinema productions back in the day. they were reddit before reddit... with one voice. Roger & Ebert in particular ruined a lot of movies and a lot of people's careers. Don't think for a second the films they pandered wasn't politically or industry motivated. no different than how bot armies these days "cancel" people on social media.

@jon_ovo3653

7 ай бұрын

@@rc59191always that’s exactly why we didn’t get Dracula untold part 2 critics suck ass

@mal35m

7 ай бұрын

@@BetterWithBob That is one of my pet peeves. Why does Hoolyweird insist on tricking people into watching a film by advertising it as something other than what it is? The people who might like it don't show up and the people who do show up don't like it because they were expecting a different film. I liked Van Helsing a lot, it was a very fun entertaining movie, but I agree, it was marketed very badly.

Huh, I never noticed this film wasn't universally loved. I know a lot of people who haven't seen it or even never heard of it but those who did, think it's a great movie. And it is! More love for Van Helsing!

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Yeah when I physically talk to people in person they're usually like "oh yeah I love that" but on the internet folks are "oh that's awful"

@grudgematch6653

7 ай бұрын

Love how they have the main 3 universal classic monsters and the black and white intro really dies a good job with bringing back the vibes of the classic monster movies

@dogewood5499

2 ай бұрын

Bro, it was mainly THE CRITICS (not the audience) that gave this film such negative reviews. So, when average Joe’s and Jane’s respond to your questions about it, they’re being honest: they LIKED IT! 🎉

van helsing will always be one of my favorite movies from my childhood. i love the back round story between helsing & dracula. no matter how many times ive seen the movie, ill always think its a masterpiece

Another spectacular vid, Bob! As a redhead that doesn't see many good red-haired characters often, or any at all really, Aleera was an ICON to me growing up. You're a man of culture, sir! 😂❤

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Hehe thank you kindly

This movie’s interpretation of Dracula and his brides have lived rent-free in my head for almost two decades, and that will never change.

You’re 100% right! The brides!!!! The sets!! The outfits! Roxburgh’s Dracula is one of my all time favorites, the over the top expression you’d expect from an unkillable, ultra powerful man so far out of his own time. I especially liked the Mr Hyde being from league of extraordinary gentlemen being a nice tie in to a world that exists without being in your face. Great video! Love it!

I appreciate that you pointed out "manly camp" people think camp can only be "feminine" but it's about the energy as much if not more than any set aesthetic, at least in my experience. It's so nice to see others love this movie as much as I do. It's fun, pretty, and so filled with passion I'm amazed so many people hate it.

@BetterWithBob

3 ай бұрын

Yeah, Tarantino's movies would be considered manly camp in a sense

@IshtarNike

12 күн бұрын

People who hate it take themselves and life far too seriously. It's a great film and it always has been 😊

I love this move so much it feels good to have someone actually praise all its good sides. my sister and me still communicate by quoting the first scene from time to time

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

I'm a giver lol

@itpugil

6 ай бұрын

My brothers and I also quote scenes from this movie from time to time, thought we were the only ones! "Is this your silver stake?" "We could be friends, partners! BROTHERS-IN-ARMS!"

i'm glad i'm not the only one who absolutely loved Aleera.

I never see anyone talking about Van Helsing!!! One of my favorite movies of all time! Action, drama, melodrama! it's got all the good stuff, all layered with a nice coating of classic hollywood movie monsters on top!

@BetterWithBob

7 ай бұрын

Hopefully now the 20 year anniversary is on the way, people will talk more about its good points

My husband and I saw this movie in theater upon release and it was so good that it remains one of my all time favorite monster movies. Seeing them all together woven into a single cohesive well told story was great!

I rewatch this movie every year, it's one of my all time favourites. It's just so fun! And I love the gothic atmosphere too

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

I should start making a habit of rewatching it every year 😅

I remember having problems with it even the first time I watched it as a teenager, but that didn't stop me getting really stoked about seeing it again every time it played on ABC for 13 Nights of Halloween. It's just the perfect vibe and feel for the season, along with these stories, celebrating everything we love about them and more. I still have those problems while rewatching the movie, but damn man I still love rewatching the movie.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Yeah I first saw it leading up to Halloween too

This movie had one of my favorite bloopers in any movie ever. In the blooper for the masquerade ball scene Dracula introduces Van Helsing by saying " i present to you...Van Halen!" Which is one of the greatest bands in history.

@MotherNature101

7 ай бұрын

I remember that blooper. It was so funny. I loved watching the bloopers from this movie. They were hilarious and cheesy. I couldn't get enough of it. 😂🤣

I'd like to say a word about pretty badass soundtrack this film has. Every time I hear tense music playing during the carriages chase I got goosebumps. Not to mention Journey to Transylvania theme. And yes, as it happen with a lot of stuff on this channel... This is a movie of my teenage time. The girl I liked and her bestie were sooo into Van Helsing. So did me and my best friend. And that's why it was time of some strangiest double dates in my life :D Thanks for bringing up some good memories of "more civilized age" ✌

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

The opening score is my jam!

Just rewatched this film and yes I agree very underrated and beautifully done.

@BetterWithBob

7 ай бұрын

Thank you XD

All those years later, I will NEVER forget the thrill and the RUSH of the three brides attacking the village! It was awe inspiring and absolutely enthralling in its direction and camera movements!!! It all just glued and I was super IN IT! Such a memorable cinematic experience!!! I wish they would make more movies of the same lore with the same scope and Vision! So much to enjoy in this telling and seriously INCREDIBLE breakdown Bob! Great work! Far more entertaining that most other content these days!

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Thank you kindly 😊

Since you mentioned it so often - you really should cover The Mummy!!! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it! 😁

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

I do have one video discussing Evy in depth but you're right lol

I agree with this for the most part. Especially the brides. This is the iconic version of them and why they get nods still. One thing I would have added is best sidekick in Carl. He's good support and exposition and comedy and how many times can you say the sidekick gets the girl? Maybe not the main girl but the friar still got some action.

@johntiggleman4686

5 ай бұрын

@johnmattson8280 and not as a completely goofy sidekick, like Dr. Watson in the Basil Rathbone "Sherlock Holmes" movies.

I don't understand why people dislike this movie. It's not a serious film, and it's not trying to be. It's trying to be the campiest Halloween movie ever created, and it knocks it out of the park. It's unashamedly over-the-top, way prettier than it had any right to be, and the cast understood the assignment, Jackman's accent aside. I'll forever be sad it didn't get a sequel, but I'm glad we got the movie we did.

The single best werewolf design ever put to screen.

One of my favorite movies! I never understood the hate/dislike.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

I do understand it to an extent but it's definitely overblown

@dogewood5499

2 ай бұрын

@@BetterWithBobit’s the result of critics being paid to post negative reviews: the reason to nega-bomb a specific film is up for debate. In this instance, perhaps it was to kill off the Gothic Action Horror genre? Who knows exactly, but it’s like this behind the scenes in real life and I hate it…

I do like the Brides in this movie. A surprising amount of character work was achieved for all three of them with minimal dialogue and screen time.

I fucking love this movie, and there are 4 things that help made me love it: Hugh Jackman, because of Wolverine, and the X-Men movies. Kate Beckinsale, because of Selene, and the Underworld movies. I just like Vampires, Werewolves, and all of those creatures. And obviously the brides of Dracula, Elena Anaya as Aleera is just chef's kiss. Speaking of vampires, thanks to this movie and the brides of Dracula, I love Castlevania (The Council of Sisters) and Resident Evil: Village (The Dimitrescu Sisters).

Absolutely adored this movie when it came out. Kate Beckinsale was a huge reason for it for sure. Underworld and then this, we were blessed! (Also, small audio note, your censor beeps are at a different level than your speaking voice, coming off a little loud in the mix :) )

@LordMangudai

6 ай бұрын

The censor bleep at 29:45 nearly gave me a heart attack lol

Why is nobody talking about how thos movie has THE ABSOLUTE BEST werewolf designs and transformation effects? Looks so amazing even today!

Never thought that anyone would need to defend this movie, although I understand perfectly the mentality of a mid 2000s teenager "I must seem smart", therefore rejecting the media that had brought us so much joy before. This movie was one of the few that I actually had a chance to see in cinema vs just the vhs or the dvd. My mom came in with the tickets for me and my friend that I had been hanging out with. Let me tell you we were both so overjoyed. I still hold this movie dear to my heart because of this. Re-watching this now when I'm 30, I love the Solomon Kane-ish aesthetic and lore, the classy and the campy sides both. It had funny jokes, visual greatness, references to classics, Hugh and Kate. I remember being excruciatingly disappointed by the fact that Anna died when I was a teen, but ultimately it was fun)

@BetterWithBob

7 ай бұрын

It's been awesome for me to hear all the stories from everyone who love it

@MistressMillion

7 ай бұрын

@@BetterWithBob I'm glad to share it. Thanks for the awesome content

Excuse you, sir, Van Helsing is just as good as I remember it since I first saw it in theaters, thank you very much 😌🤣 Excellent video about an excellent movie. My kingdom and my horse for the Brides, the (hammy) acting all around, the atmosphere and the beefcake (!!!) in this masterpiece 🖤

@BetterWithBob

7 ай бұрын

🎉🎉🎉🎉

What stuck to me the most in this movie was the portrayal of the werewolf. I love how he sharpens his claws against the wall

I was in my mid twenties when Van Helsing dropped in theaters. I watched it three times in the theatre. I thoroughly loved this movie as it had everything. Action, nostalgia, and as you said each character has their time and it was explained. This is still one of my favorite movies. I saw that Sommers wrote and directed it and even before I saw a trailer, I said it will be entertaining, exciting and some humor. I always liked Stephen Sommers movies, they are just fun and entertaining. First vid I watched of yours and I loved it. I'm watching Van Helsing tonight.

As usual, we are of twin minds. I love this movie, I don’t care! Not sure if you’ve gone through Underworld yet but those first few movies were great too

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Yes those were my life for a while too 😂

Not going to lie, I have rewatched this movie multiple times these last few weeks. I hadn't watched this movie for a few years, but this was one of my favorite Monster movies. This was my first introduction into Dracula, Richard Roxburgh did such an amazing job and clearly had so much fun with this role. I have so much love for this movie, that I could go on and on.

I loved this as a young teenager, and returned to it 15 years late when I wrote an essay on it at the university. It was fun returning to it!

I wanted to add a few things to this. The kiss was also initiated by her. She kissed him. Usually it's the other way around. But i think it shows a strong female. And as far as the veiw in the clouds. He's a fallen angel. He just actually killed the evil he was meant to kill. God could have given him this glimpse as a reward. I just got to this point in your video and wanted to get my thoughts down before I forgot them. If you mention this later I apologize.

I loved this movie as a kid. Kate Beckinsale had such a choke hold on me. The werewolves in this movie were so badass, and Dracula turning into a huge bat monster was freaking awesome.

@BetterWithBob Every point you made in defense of this film was fire. Action, horror, fantasy, vintage esthetic, drama love story, beauty, and an intriguing modern spin on iconic characters. This movie may not have been perfect but still is one of my top favorites for all it accomplished in one short viewing. Also, you once again slayed at nailing the argument for a strong female representation in a story while still giving homage to the power of an awesome male protagonist. I personally am happy to have you as a 1st voice to stand by a creation so dear to my heart as this film is. Thank you once again for such an awesome video essay.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Aww that made me smile

@angelinamckinney2728

8 ай бұрын

You're welcome. You keep creating, I will keep watching. 🖤😊@@BetterWithBob

I showed this film to a couple buddies of mine on Halloween 2 years ago who never saw it and they absolutely loved it. Even asked why there weren't any sequels. It was really cool watching them getting into a film that I've loved since I was a kid

I have a list of movies I can watch on TV endlessly everytime they broadcast them. Van Helsing was my first ever movie to get on that list, I've always LOVED it.

I am so thrilled someone else feels the same about this film because no one seems to recall or have seen it, and it was a staple of my childhood, me being a 90s baby. I remember watching it at my babysitter's house with all of her nieces and nephews in the basement/attic (where we would watch horror films) and loving every bit of it, along with the 'Resident Evil' and 'Underworld' sagas I saw there as well. This is one of those cult classics that you can't possibly dislike if you have any taste whatsoever. This falls into my childhood favourites category with 'Natural-Born Killers', Nicole Kidman's 'the Stepford Wives', 'Aeon Flux', 'Elektra', 'Ultraviolet', 'Hellboy', and so many more! I had no idea people had so many critiques about 'Van Helsing', but it doesn't surprise me with the way cinema is going now-a-days; they are the reason we have nothing good coming-out of Hollywood. The lack of taste they've been trained to have makes for easy money for these major corporations because they're not dealing with connoisseurs or even people with any taste whatsoever. These are the same people who believe the new 'Star Wars' &/or 'the Hobbit' trilogy are better than the old 'Star Wars' &/or 'the Lord of the Rings'.

''Almost two decades ago' Existential crisis activated thank you. 😅😂

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

You're welcome 😉

I 100% love this film. I remember seeing it in the theater and just giggling like a kid at the over the top silliness, but also awesomeness of it. Plus it had so many neat details that you don't normally get. My list of favorites: 1. The idea of making the inquisition/vatican of that era into something like MI6, and Van Helsing is their Bond, was just clever as hell. 2. The idea that the danger they are trying to stop, is the damnation of an entire family line of souls, because they are at risk of failing a vow they made to god. That's pretty neat and novel. 3. His sidekick the fryer, was genuinely helpful. He wasn't JUST there for comic relief and slapstick, he was very much a Johnny on the Spot whenever stuff went sideways. He had the items that Helsing needed, and was always there to provide them in a pinch. Plus, he got to have a Big Damn Hero moment, when he gets to do the rope swing toss of the serum during a climactic thunderstorm, to save the hero from his own curse. He's also the one that actually got laid, unlike the protagonist. 4. Frankenstein's monster was intelligent, very much so in fact. Probably the most brilliant person there. And boy did he ham up that perfromance as much as he could. He chewed SO much scenery. 5. Dracula. Dracula Dracula. My god, this actor....he was....PRISTINE! *chefs kiss* I genuinely dislike vampires as a trope/genre. Especially if they are "good" vampires. I just can't get into it, it's not my thing. But THIS guy, oh man, he embraced his Evil Villain Overlord nature, and was a cinematic force of nature in every scene he was in. Every scene he was in, was great, but the one that forever sold me on him was when he was bitching about Helsing while walking on the roof, talking to his wives who just lost their brood of children. And they wail to him "we've just lost our children!! Have you no heart?!?!" And he bellows "NOOOOOO!! I AAAAAMMM.......hollow...." it was just, FANTASTIC! 6. The male/female leads DON'T hook up at the end. In fact she doesn't even survive. BUT, they were able to fulfill their vow, and thus the entire family line did not get sent to hell for eternal damnation. Which again, novel approach to ending an action flick like this. It usually ends on a zoom in fade out on the male/female leads kissing in a scenic location. But no, she's dead, her bro's dead, all of them are dead. We see her burning on a pyre, and a cloud that looks like her floating off into the sky with a smile. It was an ending I wasn't expecting, especially when it could've ended with something like "You know I'm the last member of my family line" Van Helsing "...well...I guess we'll just have to work on correcting that won't we?" *sultry smirk on his face, blushing lip biting on hers, dissolve into them disrobing, roll credits* But no, they didn't do the cliche. Which I respect. So yeah, this movie is WAY better than it got credit for.

I loved Van Helsings take on the Dracula tale. Confession time, 'Dracula: Dead and Loving It' is my second favorite behind Van Helsing.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

"Lucy...I'm British" "But so are THESE!"

Wish you would have talked about how great the Friar is as a sidekick. I always go back to his introduction scene just for a good laugh.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Ah I couldn't think of much to say there, but David Wenham played him well, and he did his job just fine

I’ve always loved this movie, I think its fantastic ! I was honestly shocked that it wasn’t more lover or well received. I’ve always thought this movie deserved a sequel, even though it was wrapped up son nicely as a standalone ! This movie is just great and iconic !!

Van Helsing was one of my favorite, most rented movie when I got to pick a movie from the movie store as a young teen. As I grew up, I became more fascinated in monsters, vampires and werewolves. Now as an adult, this movie is a childhood memory and after watching this video, I feel like I’m revisiting why I feel in love with this movie in the first place. Now I’m off to rewatch the movie with your words echoing why this movie is such a treasure. Thank you.

Fun fact: in the commentary the director said he had not seen xmen when he cast Hugh as it wasn't out yet, and that he actually cast him because he saw Jackman in a stage play of the musical Oklahoma and it just so happened they lucked out when xmen was successful

As I have gotten older I realized I don’t care if I’m not supposed to like a movie. I love Van Helsing! It’s fun, atmospheric, well acted, and again fun!

The ball scene is also a nod to “The Fearless Vampire Hunters”, one of Sharon Tate’s last movies before her murder.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Ah that's cool. I haven't seen that. But I believe The Wrecking Crew was her last one

@theladyeternal

8 ай бұрын

@@BetterWithBobYes, you’re right. I’ve edited my comment to amend, as it was made in 1967 & so was one of her last. The movie is worth a watch if you can find it, but the ball scene is on KZread here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iYCNksWgiMazhto.htmlsi=GIOFyg5cf8OE73sM

@ginster458

8 ай бұрын

@@BetterWithBobif you‘ve ever heard of the musical dance of the vampires, you know the story- the movie was the basis for it! also soooo good (the musical)

I was definitely the perfect age for this movie when I first saw it. My friend got me into the classic universal monster movies when I was a kid (Creature from the Black Lagoon being my favorite) then he showed me Van Helsing on DVD when i was 12, and i thought it was really awesome! I was a huge fan of this movie for a while. I don't think it is as good as The Mummy, but i still like it. And even though the CGI in this movie hasn't aged great, this does not get enough credit for its set design, costumes, and practical effects. This movie isn't nearly as reliant on CGI as people remember, it's so much more visually interesting than most modern blockbusters.

Thank you so much for this video! Van helsing, Hellboy and the Mummy were my three favourite movies as a child and when I heard that this one wasnt as beloved as the others I couldn't understand why. So I just thought it was childhood fancy especially since this was the only one we had on dvd and I could watch multiple times. I'm so glad I clicked on this video, you have a great way of conveying it!!

I love this movie 😁 I've always found it hilarious. It also holds a special place in my heart because Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale where a big part of my bi awakening and having them in the same movie probably helped me come to my light bulb moment years earlier than it would have taken me to get there on my own! 😂

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

I've heard from a lot of people who got 'awakened' by this movie lol, although it seems Dracula was the main character who prompted it

Van Helsing is one of my favourite movies. The scenery, the music, the characters made it all unique for me. It was an actio-adventure movie and not some silly love story with a vampire. And the CGI only now look dated, but for a very, very long time it was still top notch!

I love that in under two years Hugh Jackman played two separate hairy immortal beings who cried as they held the dead body of the woman they loved after a battle.

Anna’s version of “if you’re gonna shoot, shoot. don’t talk” is my all time favourite line in the movie. 😂😂

@BetterWithBob

6 күн бұрын

Good choice aha

I've always loved this movie. I never understood why it didn't get more praise. Great rundown!

@BetterWithBob

7 ай бұрын

Thank you XD

I love this movie, even if it isn't what I'd call smart. The scale of time makes no sense, the performances are peak cheese, and the werewolf transformation completely ignores all laws of physics. And that's exactly *why* I love it. Frankenstein doesn't just chew the scenery, he has a full three-course banquet with the scenery then takes it home afterwards! I riff on it every Halloween. I do want to add that I agree that Anna is not a faux action girl or a damsel in distress in any manner. I agree with the reasons you stated, but not because the Damsel in Distress concept is nonsense. Historically, female characters have been used as stock motivation for male heroes, especially in retro video games when storytelling potential was limited. Likewise, male gaze is about focusing on the woman's body through camera work, which rarely gets subjected to male characters. This is rarely done with outright malice, but rather cultural biases. It's quite an extensive topic that can't be covered in a single video comment, but while I agree with the conclusion that these tropes may not apply to this specific movie, the general concept shouldn't have its legitimacy dismissed.

I'm happy that Van Helsing is getting the attention it deserves. As you said it's an amalgamation of three main novel/universal monsters which sounds as an overkill, but it actually works perfectly. It's a great blend of fantasy, horror and action. Just a masterpiece in my opinion. I like it slightly more than The Mummy, but that is a personal preference. What I'd also like to mention is the OST which is absolute banger. And one more trivia about the ballroom scene. It was shot in church of St. Nicholas in Prague. And the whole church had to be de-sanctified before shooting and re-sanctified after the rolling was done.

21:50, This may be the closest to a theme this film has, with each monster having a different relationship to evil. Dracula and his brides are portrayed as partially sympathetic, but also cruel and violently unhinged people that wish to spread their kind at the expense of humanity, Frankenstein’s monster is an innocent person, but is also the product of sacrilegious experiments to create life, and the Wolfmen are all humans that turn into violent beasts with no control over their actions, with the previous two before Van Helsing being further enslaved by Dracula. While all of them are considered monsters, not all of them are truly evil people. The worst person out of all of them is arguably Igor, as he is a greedy, hateful individual that only values payment and his own survival, hence his betrayal of Victor to Dracula. Even Jekyll and Hyde’s appearance in the narrative elevate this theme, as Jekyll has lost control of himself to Hyde and is another victim of his malevolence when Hyde dies fighting Van Helsing. It’s his transformation back into Jekyll upon his death along with Velkan’s death leading to his conversion into a werewolf (his hunting of monsters ending up turning him into one, which connects to how his murder of Dracula is implied to be what earned him his punishment by amnesia and mortality in the first place) that sets up Van Helsing’s path to becoming less singular towards his view of the monsters he hunts and to be more merciful when the opportunity presents itself.

Definitely rewatch worthy... after I watch this movie again. Gosh I love your video essays Bob. 🙌🔥💎

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching :) This one I'm very proud of

rewatched this movie for the first time in years to celebrate Halloween this year, it's honestly so much fun. I loved it way back when I saw it in theaters.

I was only a few months old when it came out so I clearly couldn't watch it. But I did 5 years later and ever since then, I have loved Van Helsing. This movie gave me the love I have now for werewolves and vampires. 2009 was the year I was exposed to movies I love so much now, like Avatar, Van Helsing, Scream, Child's Play. To this day I constantly think of Van Helsing and watch it when I can.

One of my favourite films.... the cgi still holds up to this day if not better. One of the best portrayals of Dracula.

Bruh, FI-NAL-LY some love for this gem! As an emo/goth teen I used to watch this DAILY and to this day I know about 95% of the script to the second. I LOVED the brides, Aleera being my fave because she is sassy (and her dress is pink, my inner toddler just cannot not love her for that), but I dreamt I was wearing Verona's dress twice. Trying to transform into the awesome bat creatures to scare off kids, but instead I got hit by a car or simply failed to transform and thus not being scary lol. Some of the CGI holds up really well and was really well done for that time, while other parts are just plain bad (looking at Aleera and Verona transforming when Marishka is killed, their hair is horrendous). I just LOVE how they're basically evil powerpuff girls with their different hair, eye, and outfit colours. I did recently discover a little plot twist though. "We never kill more than our fill. And less than our share." That's all very well, but please tell me how you plan to uphold that ethic if you want to give life to thousands of offspring Count Dragulia? Because to me it seems like humans aka food is going to run out quickly with thousands of human bloodsuckers for only 1.5 billion people globally around 1888. Not to mention them probably feeding sloppy at first and probably turning some victims maybe. Who are they going to eat then? Cows?

@LilacSreya

7 ай бұрын

Oooh maybe the Frankenstein Creature tech will be used to revive those humans and feed on them again and again?? Even without that, 1.5 billion is a LOT more than you think - a million seconds is 12 DAYS, a billion seconds is 31 YEARS. It’s more than enough for just a few thousand vamps. Also humans will breed more humans, and this movie isn’t realistic anyway, so there could be many more humans.

Van Helsing is my GO TO Halloween movie! I love it so much! Also, Carl is such a fantastic character, and I didn't learn until years later that Faramir was his first serious role.

This is why i don't trust review scores Amazing visuals Amazing soundtrack Amazing action and acting Yet for some reason critics hate it ,why? Not every movie has to be deep meaning sad opera This is piece of art and is no less than other motion pictures It just tells story beautifully

I'm goona rewatch this. Have you ever covered Hansel and Gretal: Witch Hunters. Pretty good IMO?

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

Aha I never watched that for petty reasons - someone who used to bully me once said "I bet you'd love this" so I just didn't watch lol. Must try it out one day

@Frogface91

8 ай бұрын

​@@BetterWithBobI haven't seen it for a while but I can understand OP mentioning it, similar vibes with the camp fun and visuals if I remember correctly.

@jeremybowser7690

8 ай бұрын

@@Frogface91 I agree, they feel like they are in the same universe. There were several movies like that in the 2000s and 2010s: Sleepy Hollow, Into the Woods. Retelling fairytales but putting a steampunk spin on them, with some modern sensibility. Disney should take notes.

@scottjones6860

8 ай бұрын

@BetterwithBob If you do review Hansel and Gretel Witchhunters I highly recommend looking up the art of the witches done for the movie. They are shown briefly onscreen but the art is fantastic.

Haters: Kate Beckinsale's character was nothing but a damsel-in-distress disguised as girl-power. Me: Okay. I want to see you haven given birth and do the fancy stunts and choreography she did--all the while being imprisoned in a tiny corset. No, I'll wait.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

All the applause to you!

@backto-il9ne

7 ай бұрын

Kate's stunt work in this is impressive but does not change the fact that the character is underwritten. She is not given any special abilities that would have allowed her to put up an entertaining and evenly matched fight against the antagonists. The result is she just ends up running and screaming and falling and running and screaming and dying. Huge disservice to to such a fun character.

@kgmotte2363

7 ай бұрын

@@backto-il9ne You understand that the MAIN character of this movie ALSO has NO Special Abilities, Right? He's the Bleeping Archangel of Mercy, but his Special "Power" is "I have an Automatic Crossbow Built by an insane Monk"... At Least until the final Fight. He Spends the whole movie fighting off Monster after Monster using nothing but Training, Skill, Luck and Wits in the body of a Regular Human... Why is it some kind of Sin for a Woman Born to a Family of Monster Hunters, going Back Generations, to have the Same level of Skills and Training as he does? Anna's Family in this Movie is the equivalent of Castlevania's Belmont Clan, Their ENTIRE thing is that they're Obsessed at Killing Monsters... Arguably, I'd say she actually has MORE Justification for Being a Good fighter, since she actually Remembers her Childhood Training, and her family would have Intimate Knowledge how HOW to train Monster Hunters. Van Helsing Specifically has Amnesia and he was found as an Adult (Obviously since he's Immortal), so Technically, Assuming he was a COMPLETE Blank Slate when the Church found him, and that they're Assuming he's a Normal human with a Human Lifespan, he has LESS Training that Anna Does (Unless he was Found Long enough ago that she wasn't born yet? In which case they probably think he's over 60 Years old! Which Kinda feels like the Church should suspect him of not being Human at that point to still look like he does)...

@backto-il9ne

7 ай бұрын

Special abilities does not mean supper powers. I am simply referring to tools that made him a fair match against the antagonists. Van Helsing has skilled weapons and techniques that made him formidable. Kate's character just ran around and screamed. BIG DIFFERENCE. @@kgmotte2363

@AzureRoxe

7 ай бұрын

@@kgmotte2363 People forget that one of the things about Gabriel is that, at the moment of the film, he's quite literally a normal human.

I saw this in theaters opening night with two other people. I'm all for a renaissance of the Universal Movie Monsters. However, after Van Helsing, when asked what I thought, I confessed, "I would have walked out had you two not been enjoying it," to which they said, "We only stayed because we thought you were enjoying it!"

@short0811

6 ай бұрын

That reminds me of watching Doom with my wife in the theaters. The only part I actually enjoyed was when he got "God mode" activated, and that's only because I remember playing the game as a child! IDDQD and IDKFA. If you know you know!

One good thing about wokism: it makes us appreciate these honest, self-aware older movies. I've never watched this one, nor the Underworld saga, but I'll give them a try thanks to your reviews.

One more thing: Rewatching it last night made me realise how dumb Carl was for shouting out that he has holy water, it's like sure just let the bloodthirsty vampires who are currently attacking you know that you have something that could potentially kill them, I'm sure they won't try to stop it being used at all lol

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

He does say he has no field experience lol. Probably forgot But then again, Marishka was right there and he might have figured she would have to jump off to get it and be distracted long enough for Van Helsing to get the crossbow Plus, Verona swooping in out of nowhere to toss it away gave the game away that it would work, so not too bad in hindsight hehehehe

I guess it could be deeper,butyeah, its a good movie and decent werewolf rep even. And iove the monster. And its really decent. I wish kate and the brides would e a bit depr in their characterizations, she is fine, the brides, could get more. And the fights arentbad at all, ust they could get character momets, the brides. Anyways good movie.

@BetterWithBob

8 ай бұрын

I think they had just enough but sure look

i love this movie! and i always point to it as "doing werewolves right". This is how i imagine werewolves, the design is perfect.

THANK YOU! The title alone makes me SO happy! My love for the movie is such that I tracked down the collector's edition. I find it so funny that it came with the original Dracula, Frankenstein, and Wolfman. Like, what other movie DVDs actually come with other, older movies in the special features? Well, a third disc, but still! It got me to actually see those classics, so I'm nothing but thankful.

I don't know why most KZread movie reviewers hate this movie.For me it is literally one of my all tym favourite movies❤ I am just so happy that i am finally hearing a review in which this film is praised ❤❤❤

just rewatched this movie this years halloween, and while it felt a bit long at some points... oh boy, the camp factor was as glorious as I remembered. Just the fight scene against Mr. Hyde alone is pure gold. We seriously need more movies like this again, pure, silly but glourious epic entertainment. No subvesion, no deep or big message, just a pure blast adventure from beginning to end. And thanks to Puss in boots 2 and the dungeon and dragons movie, I'm a bit optimistic that we slowly get back at it. also while american werewolf in london still has the best werewolf transformation put to screen, I love the creative idea here of the werewolf basicly ripping it self out of the human body.

Other than the fact that the male gaze and Bechdel test are actual things it's pretty spot on what makes Van Helsing so great.

The werwolf depiction is till today my favourite of all time! You really feel you wanna be one as well (unlike Underworld...bit weird looking imo)

Thanks for this video! I am never shy when it comes to praising this film. The one character that deserved more mention was Igor. He brought some great comedy moments and cracked me up more than a few times. I love when he tells Doctor Frankenstein that he's been so good to him but Dracula pays him. Also, his change of heart to show where the antidote was with a little physical intimidation. Finally, his "it's what I do" when asked why he liked to torture the werewolf. Just great.

Wow! This was an absolutely masterful 42 minute assessment of one of my all-time fave movies. Thanks for this, there's so much about the development and interplay between characters that you've highlighted, that I must dig out my BluRay for a 10th+ viewing. One pivotal character which you've neglected to comment on is Alan Silvestri's outstanding musical score. Never obtrusive, but always enhancing the action, right up to Princess Anna's heartbreakingly beautiful funeral pyre theme, which debuts as a subtle motif as we see her first image in the monks lab. For this strong, action-oriented main character to survive vampires, monsters, horrors, and the deaths of her family members only to be killed by the protagonist as she's trying to save him is one of the great, ironic plot twists of American cinema. Silvestri's score is classic adventure music where appropriate, with echoes of the great Roma (Gypsy) jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt tastefully interspersed into 'Van Helsing's Theme'. The full closing credits reprise is on my playlist. Is that weird? No apologies.....I do often wonder how the late great Michael Clark Duncan (Green Mile) might have interpreted the role of Frankenstein's Monster. Just a thought...

One of my favorites, and probably inspiration for why I've pursued graphic design, career-wise. I was in my early 20s and am absolutely floored how under-appreciated this film is! Thanks for helping straighten the record out.

I always liked it and never was ashamed to say it. I'm not saying it's perfect, but all the main aspect works for me and it's one of the movies I actually enjoy rewatching.

Honestly, this movie is just the _definition_ of camp. It is fun, it never takes it self to seriously by pretending to be very serious indeed, Also, hello Hugh Jackman!

I see potential in a movie of different breeds of werewolves that change with skin falling off, like you pointed out, and those that grow fur.