Film Review: Dracula Untold
When I first saw the trailer, I was quite excited by the greatness that it promises. Unlike many trailers that only give away the entire plot and show all the best bits, this one served only to give a taster of what is to come.
And it does not in any way disappoint.
Not for a moment.
The story flows exceedingly well, the pace is fast and yet you have no trouble following the many turns that they take you on.
First time director Gary Shore, with first time writers Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless (though it doesn't seem like it) create a great story with actors who all portray their characters with zeal and passion, taking the written word on the script to create three dimensional characters that have both their good points and their flaws.
Luke Evans leads the cast as the titular character, and considering the history behind it, it is quite a heavy mantle to carry. Lesser actors would fall and make the character a mere caricature. Mr Evans gives his all in every frame and even without dialogue, he has great screen presence.
The rest of the cast, Dominic Cooper, Diarmaid Murtagh, Sarah Gadon, Paul Kaye, Charles Dance (I'd list them all, but then that is what IMDb is for) all are just as great in making the movie complete.
Considering the action scenes, here the film excels as well, not just in the quality of the special effects, but also the originality of showing what has been done before. The composer of this film is an interesting choice, the score is wonderful, adding that extra something special, but also adds to a list of films that already have a certain pattern. Among others, there is Blade Trinity, Fright Night, and the Strain.
Even better, there is the definite whiff of a possible sequel, or more, which makes me wonder about the possible title. Dracula Retold?
To say more would be entering spoiler ridden territory and I will not. See the film to see what I mean.
And it does not in any way disappoint.
Not for a moment.
The story flows exceedingly well, the pace is fast and yet you have no trouble following the many turns that they take you on.
First time director Gary Shore, with first time writers Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless (though it doesn't seem like it) create a great story with actors who all portray their characters with zeal and passion, taking the written word on the script to create three dimensional characters that have both their good points and their flaws.
Luke Evans leads the cast as the titular character, and considering the history behind it, it is quite a heavy mantle to carry. Lesser actors would fall and make the character a mere caricature. Mr Evans gives his all in every frame and even without dialogue, he has great screen presence.
The rest of the cast, Dominic Cooper, Diarmaid Murtagh, Sarah Gadon, Paul Kaye, Charles Dance (I'd list them all, but then that is what IMDb is for) all are just as great in making the movie complete.
Considering the action scenes, here the film excels as well, not just in the quality of the special effects, but also the originality of showing what has been done before. The composer of this film is an interesting choice, the score is wonderful, adding that extra something special, but also adds to a list of films that already have a certain pattern. Among others, there is Blade Trinity, Fright Night, and the Strain.
Even better, there is the definite whiff of a possible sequel, or more, which makes me wonder about the possible title. Dracula Retold?
To say more would be entering spoiler ridden territory and I will not. See the film to see what I mean.
The first quote comes from another film that I was glad to see first at the cinema. And the second is from a film with an unexpected theme, similar to one in the review above.
ReplyDelete“Jack O'Donnell: Carter said you were a great American.
Tony Mendez: A great American what?
Jack O'Donnell: He didn't say.”
“Galadriel: Why the Halfling?
Gandalf: Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay... small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? That's because I am afraid and it gives me courage.”