Episode notes
To this day, it still surprises me that we never got a sequel to Stephen Sommers 2004 gothic action-horror 'Van Helsing'. Its one that I have a wee bit of nostalgia for, having watched at such an impressionable age, and with Halloween approaching; it seemed appropriate to revisit.
Like others of similar age, it was my first 'real' introduction to iconic monsters like Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein’s monster — characters we all grow up knowing, even without seeing the originals. While it sticks to a PG-13 tone, the film still delivers fast-paced, visually striking action that holds up surprisingly well today.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale make a great duo, with solid chemistry woven between the film’s many, MANY action set pieces. The atmosphere, production design, and energy all shine, even if the film occasionally feels ov ...