Dracula Untold (2014) movie review

Directed by: Gary Shore
Starring: Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper and Charles Dance
Running Time 1 hr 32 min.

The story of Count Dracula have not been many past, but who was Vlad Tepes, also known as “Vlad the Impaler”, really? "Dracula untold" makes an attempt to tell the story of the man behind the Bram Stoker vampire.

Vlad Tepes (Evans) is a prince who tries to protect his empire, Transylvania, from the war with the Ottoman Empire. When bribes are no longer good enough, and his family is at stake, he sets out into the wilderness in a desperate attempt to find a force that can defend his country: vampire power.

The film tries to create a credible background to Dracula, but despite that the ensemble contains an impressive crowd of actors, they work hard to keep alive the very thin script. And few of them do it well - over gambling on the verge of parody represents especially the Sultan Mehmed (Cooper). Charles Dance as vampire stands out, thanks to their cold and commanding skill.

Evans does a decent attempt to convey Vlad's inner struggle between good and evil. But it's hard to see him as a down to earth and pragmatic version of Dracula when he suddenly becomes an action hero.

Sure, the film has one or two memorable sequence - like when Vlad discovers his new senses - but lacks the magic and mystery that I associate with Dracula. There is simply too silly with computer animated armies and monsters. Dracula's story is compelling - but not bundled with watery script and mechanistic of action.


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