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MOVIE REVIEW: Dracula Untold – “The Monster is Back From His Slumber”

 

 
Overview
 

Directed by: Gary Shore
 
Produced by: Michael De Luca
 
Written By: Matt Sazama , Burk Sharpless,
 
Starring: Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper
 
Genre: , , ,
 
FG RATING
8.0
8/ 10


User Rating
1 total rating

 

Raves


Fresh take on Dracula's Origin, Use of visual effects for Dracula's abilities

Rants


Average plot, Might irk long time fans of Dracula


It has been a long time since a movie about Dracula came out. Now watch as the iconic movie monster returns from his long slumber with a whole origin.

0
Posted October 15, 2014 by

 
FULL REVIEW
 
 

It has been a long time since a movie about Dracula came out. Now watch as the iconic movie monster returns from his long slumber with a whole new origin.

Before being the great vampire, there was only a man. After living in peace for years, Prince Vlad of Transylvania must now protect his people from the invading forces of the Turkish Army. Vastly outnumbered, Vlad becomes desperate enough to seek an ancient evil to gain its powers. By turning into a vampire, Vlad has now the strength to  protect his kingdom while also fighting to keep his humanity.

A Reincarnation

Instead of using the existing story by Bram Stoker, the film re-imagines the origin of Dracula. By mixing the story of Vlad the Impaler with Dracula’s fiction, the film manages to create a more human if not plausible back story. We always knew Dracula as one of the bad guys, but this reincarnation show that even though he still does the wrong things, this time it is for the right reasons. The film portrays him as a father, a hDracula Untold Posterusband, and an honorable prince to his people. Not only does the film manages to humanize him, it also show that he’s actually the opposite of what we have believed.

Gone is the pasty white face and slicked back hair that was the look of the classic Dracula. Dracula Untold portrays him as a warrior who can look charming but can also be frightening when it comes to battle. The portrayal of Luke Evans as Vlad/Dracula was also notable. Not only did he give the look of a valiant warrior to Vlad but he also brought on the fierceness of Dracula.

Less horror, more action

The movie strays away from usual horror genre that is usually associated to Dracula. Favoring more fight scenes than providing scares, audiences are treated to an action packed movie. The fight scenes were good but it could have been better if there were more blood and gore. For a movie about vampires, this one might be a little anemic. *Ba Dum Tss*

The movie’s portrayal of Dracula’s power and abilities were spectacular and enjoyable. We all now that Dracula is supposed to be scary but this movie reminds us that it’s his power that we should be afraid of. With abilities that lets him take on thousands of soldiers, control huge swarm of bats, and other deadly capabilities, you can either be afraid or amazed. The use of special effects highlighted his powers and weaknesses which made it a visual delight. Also look out for dying vampires. It might be gory but it also looks cool.

Though a new origin presents itself, the plot of the movie is just average. Though it might lack an exceptional story, it still is very entertaining to watch. Seeing Vlad discover his new found powers for the first made it feel like a super hero movie. It might be because Universal Studios is rebooting the Universal Monsters and they’re aiming to make a shared universe, Avengers style. It can go either way from there.

I find Dracula Untold’s fresh take on the iconic vampire pleasing. It would be a treat to the younger generation but fans of the classic might not feel the same way.

Special thanks to Columbia Pictures Philippines for the invite. Dracula Untold is now showing at a theater near you.

 

 

 

 


Luigi Cabrera

 
Enthusiast of things geeky, weird, and random. He finds peace in writing.


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