Here we are, film fans, with a classic monster reboot. THE classic monster reboot, if you will. Universal Studios remembered it had an entire franchise collecting dust in a back room. That franchise was “brought back to life” with the king of the dead: Dracula.
It can be speculated that Universal is trying to do with monsters what Marvel did with the Avengers. Universal didn’t spare quality for quantity when they brought Michael De Luca onto the production team for its first edition. De Luca is responsible for the New Line Cinema that brought us “Austin Powers,” “Boogie Nights” and the “Blade” trilogy. However, very noticeably, the writers and director made their debut effort for film world with “Dracula Untold.”
The leading man, Luke Evans, gives a very exceptional performance as Vlad the Impaler. You may not have seen him in other movies, but he definitely meets A-list standards. It is evident, however, that the writers put all their effort into one character. Supporting roles are easily overlooked and placed into simple categories. Sarah Gadon is seen playing the aloof-yet-powerful wife, and Dominic Cooper’s appearance is very similar to if George Michaels had a cameo on “Eastbound and Down.”
All criticism aside, “Dracula Untold” isn’t a terrible movie. It started production almost seven years ago, and would have blown our minds four years ago. Imagine “300” with an undead army of one. The graphics are fantastic. Fight scenes are very well choreographed and shot. There is a reason this film earned $23.4 million on its opening weekend.
The storyline follows a young Vlad Tepes through his struggles of being sold into war. While becoming a man, he survives the horrors that the battlefield thrives on and returns to his home to rule as prince. Peace can only last for so long in the 1400s though, and the Turks that once enslaved him return for 1,000 tributes to be in their newest slave army. Like any respectable battle-born ruler would, Vlad sends a message using the corpses of Turkish messengers to spell “No.” With the wrath of the empire at his doorstep, Vlad takes to the mountains to make a deal with a mysterious creature of ghastly proportions.
From here, storyline goes out the window. We are introduced to characters that have very important roles but no names. A message of love conquers all is preached by a man who practices impalement of fallen foes as a preventative measure. We even get to see practical physics trump supernatural powers.
After you survive the valley of confusion, you are rewarded with the final battle scene–yet another primary focus of the writers.  Ending the film with a bang, they set up a great segue for a sequel. Universal has confirmed that more monsters are coming and they will all be interacting in the same universe. I am very excited to see the direction they are taking this franchise. If you have nothing better to do this weekend, check it out.