One of the best Frankenstein movies in a long while!
597340
Well acted, interesting story, excellent special effects, and good character development. One of the best Frankenstein movies in a long while!
797751
Wes Craven and crew have done it again!  I anticipated this movie since May of 1999, when I heard that pre-production had started.  I waited impatiently until its scheduled release in December of 1999.  I was shocked  to see it had been moved to February, but I waited even more impatiently.  In the best horror film series I have seen yet (and I have seen a lot), the  Scream series provided laughter, suspense, happiness, and sadness all in  one big package.  All the characters in this movie, as well as the other  two were written to the point that you know them, and you feel with them,  and even get scared with them.  The twists and turns in this movie kept you  guessing, but you just couldn't quite figure it out until you were told.  Even though there were different writers, the story was blended beautifully  and all your questions were answered at the end.  It was really the end,  unlike some horror series that kept coming with all new characters and  stories.  This movie was packed so tight that your eyes couldn't leave the  screen, almost sucked you in with its eerie flashbacks and daring escapes,  not to mention the all too famous murders that made Scream a classic.  This  movie, as well as the first two, were done as they should have been:  to  get you to sit, stay, and suck you into the downright horror that makes  them good.  I recommend this movie, as well as Scream and Scream 2 to any  horror film lover, as well as some who are into a little mystery.
2792434
I know because I AM one!  I love monster movies of all kinds and Van Helsing is no exception.  True, it is not a masterpiece in filmaking.

I don't care.  It is entertaining and makes use of screen characters who have sat on the shelf for way too long.

Yep, I'm talking about Dracula, Frankenstein and The Wolf Man.

These are updated, reinvisioned versions.  Some people have a problem with this, but as long as you don't count it as Universal Monsters canon, you shouldn't have a problem.

So, here's a short run down of what's good in my humble opinion:

1.  Use of characters.  Lots of monsters!  Vampires, werewolves,Frankenstewin, Mr. Hyde, I almost expected the Gillman to pop up.  Oh well, maybe in the sequel.

2.  The action and SFX are solid.  I kno it looks like a cartoon, but it is STYLIZED! They are intentionally stled to look cartoonish.

3.  The plot is ORIGINAL.  It is totally different from ALL the original Monster movies.

4.  The Costumes and Sets are AMAZING.  The film is worth seeing for them alone. Character wardobes fit the characters perfectly and the setting rovide the perfect air for the film.

So, take it or leave it.  If you want to check it out, go ahead, its a fun popcorn ride.

Classic film of the ages?  Probably not.

But, I shall say it again...IT IS FUN!
902118
To start with, I was having a really bad day when I decided to watch this movie in theaters and It happened so quickly that the decision to watch it with a friend came out within 30 mins.
In short, The ticket was worth every penny I've paid.

I'm familiarized with Dracula movies and novels and I had thought that no movie might beat 1992 Bram Stoker's Dracula, but this one, with all of its dark elements did the job.

Maybe I liked it big time because it felt like a 92 minute rock music video (which I like).
The story line was smooth and fast, the acting was brilliant, the visual effects were excellent, the surprising and thrilling shots were the best and Luke Evans of course was wonderful with deep eye looks telling so much.

When friends who hadn't watched it asked my opinion, i answered "No regrets, go watch it as soon as possible"
Can't wait for a sequel (If there'd be any)
3789525
IT HAS MADELINE KAHN AND GENE WILDER AND OF COURSE MEL BROOKS, WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY.  THEY ARE SOOO FUNNY IN THIS SPOOF OF FRANKENSTEIN.  MADELINE KAHN IS SUPERBLY FUNNY, WITH HER ACCENT AND THE WAY SHE GOES AFTER YOUNG DR. FRANKENSTEIN.  AND THE MONSTER IS HYSTERICAL IN THIS SPOOF AS WELL, WHEN HE IS WITH THAT LITTLE GIRL... DEFINETLY A MUST SEE.
2265035
All said and done, this film is a tremendous amount of fun.  Director Stephen Sommers takes the stuff of our favorite fictional monsters and blends them together to create a highly imaginative reconstruction of the story of Dracula.  Resemblances to Bram Stoker's original tale are entirely accidental.  Instead we find Dracula  (Richard Roxburgh) using with Dr. Frankenstein (Samuel West) to serve some dark and nefarious purpose.  Not very far in the background is a werewolf (Will Kemp) who carries part of the answer to the puzzle - when he isn't trying to chew a hole in Gabriel Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman).

Kate Beckinsale plays Anna Valerious, the last living member of her family, who have been dedicated to exterminating Dracula for some 400 years.  Thanks to an oath of her forefathers, the Valerious line is condemned to purgatory as long as Dracula wanders the night.  Concerned that this curse is about to become permanent, a secret order of the Catholic Church sends in their best occult assassin - Van Helsing - aided reluctantly by Friar Carl (David Wenham), who plays the mad inventor to Van Helsing's athletic efforts.  Gabriel shows up to help Anna, is promptly rebuffed by the woman, whose mind is definitely her own.  But the action goes ballistic, and no one gets time to be banished or stomp off.

And of action, special effects, stunts. and computer graphics there is a great muchness.  Most of which looks just believable enough to keep the audience staring open mouthed at the screen.  An outstanding job is done with Dracula's wives (Elena Anaya, Silvia Colloca, and Josie Maran) and the Frankenstein monster (Shuler Hensley).  So good that these characters very nearly steal the entire show.  Sets are equally carefully crafted, with a marvelous medieval town and two whole gothic castles.  The visual impression of the film often completely overwhelms the story.

The acting is bright, with a slightly crude, sarcastic style of interplay between the characters. The overall touch is comedic, despite the inevitable sour grapes of the ending.  Don't look for greatness here.  The point is to create an exciting, fun experience, not to recreate the dark and brooding spirit behind the originals.  Sommers does well with this tongue-in-cheek, cut-and-run style and Van Helsing proves this once again
4548239
Fantastic "big monster" film.  I'm not usually a fan of "found-footage" films, but this one is just brilliant.  Fun, tense, horrifying, and fairly well-acted (for what it is).  This is a must have; one of the best horror films of the 21st century.
299636
The acting was excellent and I could really sympathize and feel Claire's(Annette Benning) madness.  The cinematography was beautiul,  especially the underwater scenes.  The murders are quick and so this is  more of a thriller than a horror film and it definetely was entertaining.  Some of the uses of apples was so funny and wildly original.  The scene  with young Vivian killing the nurse and escaping as Claire follows is  absolutely breathtaking.  This is a serious looney film and Downy Jr.  is  really cool as the psychopathic maniac.  I rented this first  and then I  brought it on DVD. I'd reccommend.
3703155
Let me first state that I love these kind of movies. If you're gonna pop this disc in your player and expect "SCREAM", "I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER", or any other somewhat recent horror movie, you're in for a Lady Frankenstein slap to the face. These movies are viewable only by fans who appreciate how bad/good they really are, and these fans know what I am talking about. For [the price] this disc is worth it. The movies are very fun and entertaining, and Lady Frankenstein showing a little skin to get her ways sets the standard for the classic "nudity for no reason rule" that we all love in our cheesy horror movies. It's presented in a drive-in double feature with trailers and an intermission cartoon, it's actually pretty cool. The only thing I can gripe about is that the quality of the film transfer can be very poor at times. Obviously not from a master soure, but hey it's 2 tasteless horror flicks for [a good price]. I am glad with this purchase. Enjoy cheese horror fans!
2620642
This is how it should be done!  A monster movie that actually shows off it's wonderful cast, screenplay, and direction rather than just it's budget and CGI creature.  The Host is one of the best movies I've seen in along time.  Everything is done exceptionally well... American movie makers should take note.  Here you are introduced to a small family with diverse personalities who have to come together and do whatever it takes to rescue their youngest when she's abducted by The Host.  Joon-Ho Bong shows his obvious directing chops and films the monster incredibly well with a sense of curiousity and awe rather than just sheer horror.  Many of the scenes are so well put together and shot you almost feel like you're right there in the mayhem of the monsters rampage!  The family as I mentioned before, are all memorable and acted to perfection by a great cast (lead son Gang-Du is like a Korean Homer Simpson!).  CGI is obviously used to a major extent here but it's as realistic as a monster can look and fits seamlessly into the needed shots.  All the dramatic beats are included here making this an experience instead of just a movie... highly recommended!
2060921
of course, Mel Brookss young Frankenstien is a classic and is very very funny. Gene Wilder is great and so is Martin Feldman as Igor, but its that damn Gene Hackman cameo as the blindman which is the funniest sceen in the movie. Nicely shot in black and white. I cant imagine though Peter Boyle (the monster) as being really hung, I know its a movie but why Peter Boyle huh. Anyway, its a great Mel Brooks film next to Blazing Saddles and SpaceBalls. Gotta love that Igor
971452
I sadly missed this movie when it was out in theatres but had a chance to see it when it hit dvd. I absolutely loved it and just had to get the extended edition, which adds much to the originally wonderful movie.

This vampire/werewolf horror story just oozes with unique twists, spectacular action, awesome environments, and mostly great acting.

Beckinsale, as Selene, looked terrific, acted terrific, and really made the movie what it was. She played her action scenes well and made it look like she was an veteran action heroine.

She played her parts with plenty of eye candy, flair, and grace to spare. A truly awesome performance on her part.

Her love interest, Scott Speedman, was also great and he generated a great deal of believable emotion and reality in his transformation parts and his 'what the f is going on' parts.

Likewise, the main 'bad guy' Lucian was casted and played superbly. The twists with his story and character are what really made this movie much more than your cliched horror film. The fact that this movie had an intricate history and actual plot behind its characters made you side with its actors that much more. I loved Lucian at the start when he was a 'bad guy' and i loved him even more at the end when he became a 'tragic hero' in his own little way. And the ending, with its slow silent face to face shot and fitting background music, really hit the mark. There were so many words spoken and emotions put out in that awesome wordless exchange.

From its great plot that was ever surprising, to its beautiful settings, scenary, and gothic environments, and to the vicious, growling, and awesome looking werewolves, this was a fun movie to watch.

Underworld did not become a sleeper success and best selling dvd for no reason. So if you want your horror movies with a bit more to them than killings and gore than pick up Underworld. You won't be disappointed.
2982872
This movie at first glance from the box seemed to me like a cheaply made flop of a horror flick but i watched it anyway *thats the kind of person i am* and i was quite surprised. unlike 99% of all recently released "technological-computerised-couldnt scare a 104 year old woman" horror rip offs, this film goes back to the REAL horror genre and was very entertaining. the only reason i didn't give this film 5 stars was because personally, i didn't find the "final transformation" very convincing. other then that, i definitely recommend this movie. the very best horror movie that ive seen released in quite a while.
4180288
When I first saw this on Creature Features on Channel 5 in NYC, I was instantly mesmerized. The monsters in this are, without a doubt, among the most unique ever put on film. But what makes this movie (are you paying attention The Asylum and Syfy channel?) is the earnestness with which the production company and cast brings this movie to life. We never see the monsters until near the end, but the sound effects used in bringing them to life, the crawling and slurping when they feed on their victims, is absolutely great. This is one of what I call the Marshall Thompson 50's trilogy of SF Films. He was also in It! The Terror From Beyond Space (great) and First Man Into Space (also tremendous!). They simply don't make films with heart like this today. The leads, Marshall Thompson as a USAF officer attempting to use atomic energy to increase radar so that the US and Canada can keep an eye on those nasty commies, is great. Kim Parker, who I never saw again, is excellent as the beautiful woman he becomes involved with and finally, Kynaston Reeves as the scientist whose experiment goes horribly wrong (don't they all?) is great as the reason behind the fiends. Finally we have the brought to life by stop motion animation, fiends. Literally brains with spines and antennae, they leap and crawl and murder humans for their brains, slurping them out like someone having an ice cream soda and wanting every drop. Don't keep reading this. If the reader is a fan of B movies, especially 50's SF B movies, RUN AND GET THIS! You won't regret it.
4648190
I bought this film based solely on customer reviews on amazon.com.
I've been a Horror movie fan for 20 years now and these days, it is really difficult to see a horror movie that impresses. 'Inside' impressed me to a great extent. This is indeed a 'must watch' for horror film fans who love gore, suspense and a good story line. I am very satisfied with this purchase.

Good points:
1) Excellent performance by main characters
2) Good picture and sound quality
3) Lots of Gore
4) Very good plot

Negatives
1) Unhappy ending ..... of course this is very natural in a horror movie
2263785
This set may contain a near dozen of my favorite movies ever. The Universal Monster films have never really been topped. Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein...who would deny that-- even beyond being great horror movies-- these are simply great films.
 Frankenstein's monster, The Wolf Man and Dracula are as much like old friends to me as Superman and Batman were to a lot of young boys back in the days before gangsta rap and Britney.
 But I say again: WHERE IS THE MUMMY? The Mummy series are my favorite of the Universals. Even most of the sequels for The Mummy are stunningly good.
 Even those who are more fond of some of the other monsters would not deny that The Mummy warrants this kind of nice DVD treatment too, right?
 Until the ultimate Universal Mummy collection is released--Im-Ho-Tep curses you!
3763361
Contains all the great Frankenstein movies.  Special features and commentary add a lot.
Picture quality very good for such old movies.