Van Helsing… I don’t really adhere to the concept of ‘guilty pleasures’. Life’s too short to feel ashamed of things you like. However, if I had guilty pleasures, this movie would be one of them. The plot isn’t overly unique or complicated, yet at times still manages to clumsily deliver exposition. The story contains some heartfelt themes and scenes, but is paired with its fair share of truly campy writing and archetypal characters. The special effects of the many different monsters still hold up to this day, but this might not be said for other aspects of the movie… It’s a fun action movie, though, and a good homage to Gothic monsters.

It might mostly be the nostalgia talking – I was just a wee bairn when I first saw this movie, and was at the time enchanted by the fast-paced action scenes, the magic athmosphere and the melodramatic set pieces – but Van Helsing works because it’s authentic. Though the plot and the characters might have fallen flat in the wrong hands, actors like Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale and Richard Roxburgh portray them with convincing fervour. Personally, I’m also still very pleased to see David Wenham in some very different role than that of a stoic man.

What does it mean to be alive? How do we decide on what is justice and what is not? These are some of the questions you may ask yourself while watching Van Helsing. Alternatively, you can just enjoy the werewolves and vampires on your screen and turn off your brain!