Read Mixed User Reviews for Dracula Untold

6

marc5477Dec 26, 2014

Not nearly as bad as worthless "pros" want you to believe. It is an action movie. Plain and simple. If you are looking for a history lesson on Vlad, then go elsewhere. As a action movie, it was slightly above average. The story itself isNot nearly as bad as worthless "pros" want you to believe. It is an action movie. Plain and simple. If you are looking for a history lesson on Vlad, then go elsewhere. As a action movie, it was slightly above average. The story itself is nothing new or exciting but it was fun to see Dracula take on entire armies and win single handed. Certainly the Turks were portrayed as vile so it was satisfying to see them bleed. Aside from that, there is really nothing notable about the movie. Nothing really bad to say about the movie aside from the fact that I wish it was deeper on origins of the 1st vampire, but whatever. I could see myself watching this again in a few years if there is nothing else on.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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6

imthenoobJan 22, 2015

Evans is a good lead and Dance was a note worthy addition as well. The plot was solid and the action was entertaining enough. I honestly wouldn't mind seeing a sequel in theaters as long as both Evans and Dance return.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

TheHonestJackOct 22, 2014

With awkward cinematography, a non sensical plot, and a ridiculously inconsistent power scheme for Dracula, this reboot for the classic horror character is less an attempt to reintroduce this generation to Dracula as it is a chance forWith awkward cinematography, a non sensical plot, and a ridiculously inconsistent power scheme for Dracula, this reboot for the classic horror character is less an attempt to reintroduce this generation to Dracula as it is a chance for Universal to start their cinematic universe... And doesn't do horribly as the latter. Collapse… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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5

Filmwatcher123Oct 11, 2014

This movie shows glimpses of the great Dracula that it could have been, creepy, intimidating and dark. Unfortunately this movie failed to capture this due to it trying to cater to a wider audience due to a bigger budget. From the mainThis movie shows glimpses of the great Dracula that it could have been, creepy, intimidating and dark. Unfortunately this movie failed to capture this due to it trying to cater to a wider audience due to a bigger budget. From the main character being a pretty boy instead of monstrous like Charles Dance's character and being a man who was evil but is now good who then turns evil just to go good again makes it uncertain where universal was trying to go with this. There were glimpses of great horror such as Charles dance and a few scenes in the movie that showed the darkness that Vlad has been driven to once again, but overall the movies ending that writes off the whole film and seems to be there just to spawn a sequel and also some sloppy writing and uninteresting villains make the film pretty bland and left me hoping that universals future horror reboots will focus less on the action and more on the brilliant original characters.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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4

TVJerryOct 23, 2014

This new twist on the origination of the most famous vampire substitutes melodrama and mediocre CGI action for chills. Prince Vlad is presented as the benevolent leader of his flourishing, peaceful country until the Turks threaten to invadeThis new twist on the origination of the most famous vampire substitutes melodrama and mediocre CGI action for chills. Prince Vlad is presented as the benevolent leader of his flourishing, peaceful country until the Turks threaten to invade and take 1000 boys in the process. To overcome the threat, he seeks dark powers, which give him superfighting skills and swarms of bats to do his bidding. The action is unoriginal and the special effects are average, but it's the tedious family drama that sucks the blood out of the film.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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4

TheQuietGamerMay 12, 2015

Dracula's origin story tries to combine history with horror. However what we get is a swords and shields war film that tries to awkwardly juggle those two elements in order to give reasoning for why it's conflict even exists in the firstDracula's origin story tries to combine history with horror. However what we get is a swords and shields war film that tries to awkwardly juggle those two elements in order to give reasoning for why it's conflict even exists in the first place. The result is a movie that's more talking than fighting. Had the dialog been better and the action more appealing that might not have been a bad thing. In the end though we are left with a really boring movie.

The lines the talented cast (two Game of Thrones stars are present) are given are unbelievably cheesy and just awkwardly written. Luke Evans plays a hero who goes to the dark side for noble reasons, but there's no moral conflict. Our lead actress Sarah Gadon can't act. As a result there's no one to really root for in this film.

The Dracula aspect isn't even well used. It's part horror film, but there's no horror. Dracula simply doesn't feel like Dracula. His powers are on display, but they aren't exciting to witness and they don't add any spice to the lackluster battle scenes. Director Gary Shore tries hard to dazzle with special effects that present Dracula as a super powered foe not to be messed with, but ultimately what we get are brief, yawn inducing affairs.

The reboot of Universals "Monsters" universe is just plain bad. It's a poor start that's lacking in thrills. Perhaps it's biggest sin is that it doesn't tap into the horror aspect at all. Simply making the sky black, the world gray, and having bats everywhere doesn't cut it. It's not a monster movie at all. This vampire has no bite.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

FilmQueenOct 22, 2015

This is a yet unseen retelling of the legend of "Vlad the Impaler". The movie tries to connect the legend with historical accuracy. Needless to say that it's not historically accurate, it's fantasy. The story is a bit clichéd and hurried, butThis is a yet unseen retelling of the legend of "Vlad the Impaler". The movie tries to connect the legend with historical accuracy. Needless to say that it's not historically accurate, it's fantasy. The story is a bit clichéd and hurried, but it's still an entertaining fantasy film with some nice sceneries.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

kevmclay82Oct 15, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movie felt rushed it goes the Turks are coming Dracula needs to be a vamp Dracula's a kind of vamp for 3 days if he doesn't drink blood Dracula kicks ass move from castle to church Dracula kicks more ass but isn't fast enough to save his friends who i don't think even have names he goes "My friend" and then their dead. Any way go to a church his people find out he is a kind of sort of vampire after about 2 minutes no one gives a **** just what ever our prince want's to drink it's all cool baby. Turks show up at the church after marching blindfolded cause they scared so of cause you blind them so they don't see death coming.
Elite Turks enter the church by going up a cliff face kidnap his son and his wife dies because she had to so Dracula would drink her blood and stay a vampire. Then he turns the remains of his people they go kill the Turks Dracula some how kills kills their King even though he knows that vampires are weak to of course silver Dracula's fellow vamp's turn on him and want to snack on his son and wage war against human kind so he gives his son to a monk who pops in and out and we know nothing about kills the other vamps by opening the clouds so sunlight can shine down his son becomes the new King to a people I thought got wiped out in the church. Dracula's revived by a guy that has TWO **** SCENES AND LIKE FIVE LINES than it's present day Dracula see's a woman that looks like his dead wife they walk off and followed by the uber vampire demon devil I don't know who changed Dracula at the start of this disappointment.
The only name I remember is Dracula I'm not sure if the other characters had names except for the Turk King whose name is said like two or three times and you won't remember anyway.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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5

NerdConsultantOct 24, 2014

Dracula Untold is a film that leaves me wanting more. I wanted more darkness, more conflict, more of Dracula being a villain, more vampire law explored. This film didn’t really give me enough. It started off on a lot of routes but didn’tDracula Untold is a film that leaves me wanting more. I wanted more darkness, more conflict, more of Dracula being a villain, more vampire law explored. This film didn’t really give me enough. It started off on a lot of routes but didn’t finish them. I will say there are some decent action sequences there and I think the idea of turning Dracula into an action hero, while admirable, doesn’t really work.

This film could be good for people who don’t really know that much about Dracula and just want a decent action film or a decent period action film, and hey if you like the idea of crossing Thirty Days of Night with The Lord of the Rings, you might get something out of this. But if you really enjoy the iconic character of Dracula and his history, this film is not for you. We will just have to keep waiting for that actual definitive version of Dracula.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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4

Unladenswallow0Oct 23, 2014

Dark, grisly and imposing is everything this film fails to accomplish. That is not to say that it is not entertaining, it is, and would be if not for the "Dracula" in its title. It starts in a painfully predictable way, and from the get go iDark, grisly and imposing is everything this film fails to accomplish. That is not to say that it is not entertaining, it is, and would be if not for the "Dracula" in its title. It starts in a painfully predictable way, and from the get go i knew something was wrong. The main protagonist, the impaler, is not as he should be, a mass murderer of thousands who simply seems to have just gone home with no PTSD whatsoever after what should have been a terribly traumatic event.

Overall this film needed more grit, it needed less superfluous over the top action scenes, and more gothic style horror that many people expected. A decent attempt but overall dissapointing.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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5

ProstheticsOct 12, 2014

A lot of ruined potential. In the movie, Vlad is portrayed as a hero, loved by his people, with a past of some things he was not proud of. In the movie, Vlad fights valiantly to defend his family and his people, doing whatever it takes toA lot of ruined potential. In the movie, Vlad is portrayed as a hero, loved by his people, with a past of some things he was not proud of. In the movie, Vlad fights valiantly to defend his family and his people, doing whatever it takes to defeat insurmountable odds. This is quite the contrary to what the actual Vlad was, both historically and in Stoker's novel. Obviously the character was morphed to be a lovable guy to appeal to audiences. Instead of being a dark, suspenseful, horror movie that befits the actual Vlad, the movie is a action oriented, root for this guy movie that Hollywood is already saturated with. Putting aside the clear morphing of established story/lore for appeal, the movie clearly cuts some tones down to cut the PG-13 rating. Anything Vlad should, naturally, be rated R in my opinion, but again, this movie is made to appeal to teenagers and heart-throb desiring women, so that is disappointing.

I wouldn't say that the movie is terrible, but it is not good either. Way too much lost potential in the story, the characters, and the atmosphere. Parts of the story leave the viewer hanging, not knowing what becomes of those story arcs. The ending of the movie sets up for a sequel, and I can only hope that it plugs the huge gaps in this movie, and takes a darker turn for what many of us expect out of Vlad.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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6

sammurphy66Oct 10, 2014

Poorly acted, narratively subpar and too fast-paced, Dracula Untold has nothing to offer beyond its admittedly thrilling special effects and well executed action sequences.

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

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6

RainwholeOct 19, 2014

Dracula Untold is composed of a couple terrific scenes, a couple terrible scenes, and a lot of filler in between them which in result makes the movie average at best. So let's start of with the best part of the movie, Luke Evans.

Mr. EvansDracula Untold is composed of a couple terrific scenes, a couple terrible scenes, and a lot of filler in between them which in result makes the movie average at best. So let's start of with the best part of the movie, Luke Evans.

Mr. Evans makes for a fantastic Vlad The Impaler, but is too soon to say if he will make a good Dracula. This movie is more about the transformation of a man into a monster, not the monster itself. So again, the jury is still out for Evans as Dracula if a sequel is ever made.

Another fascinating aspect of the movie is the production design. The costumes, armors, castles, and fields are just simply perfect and fitting for this modern take on Dracula. In fact, the production design is the only aspect of the movie that reminds us of the Gothic nature of Dracula.

The action scenes are also very well handled, specially at the beginning and at the end. There's a middle section in the movie were the action is overshadowed by painfully mediocre character development. Yet, when the action is good is REALLY good and exciting.

Besides Evans, Charles Dance (aka Tywin Lanister) is not on screen often but when does appear he is truly fantastic. But nobody will expect any less from Mr. Dance. However, besides Evans and Dance the rest of the cast is truly mediocre. Maybe it was the dialogue or the acting, I can't tell. But in particular Vlad's wife and son are two particular characters that are truly annoying.

Now, the true problem with this film is the obvious attempt on making Dracula into some sort of super hero. Sure, I'm not against that at all. I'm a fan of turning monsters into some sort of anti-hero like Hellboy or Swamp Thing. But it's clear that the goal here is not to only make Dracula a hero, but to make him almost a mirror image of some of Marvel's cinematic champions.

The Universal Monsters are NOT and will never be the Marvel heroes. I love the original classic monsters, and I have my heart and mind open to see more of them in the upcoming years. Yet, I hope that Universal Studios finds their own ground in attempting to create a cinematic universe. What worked for Marvel won't work for Universal, as much as they might want to make Dracula (or any of the other monsters) compelling, they will never be Captain America. Simply because they are not meant to be.

If Dracula Untold is the first chapter of the Universal Monster's cinematic universe reboot, is an OK one at best. It has potential to be so much more, and I hope the upcoming Mummy movie really takes things in the proper direction.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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5

felix99gomezNov 11, 2014

Dracula Untold's biggest issue is how serious it takes itself, and how by the numbers it feels like. The only character you can sympathize with is Vlad himself, that is until he turns into a vampire, and it tries so hard to be dark andDracula Untold's biggest issue is how serious it takes itself, and how by the numbers it feels like. The only character you can sympathize with is Vlad himself, that is until he turns into a vampire, and it tries so hard to be dark and joyless, that you aren't on board for the ride anymore. That being said, Luke Evans does a great job with what he's given (the best thing about the movie for sure) and he makes this joyless, predictable adventure, watchable.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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4

DenisManuOct 12, 2014

Dracula Untold is the "untold" story of Vlad the Impaler becoming Dracula.This movie has some gorgeous cinematography and interesting ideas,but in the end it turns to be the same old same old cliche story.Despite Luke Evans's dedication toDracula Untold is the "untold" story of Vlad the Impaler becoming Dracula.This movie has some gorgeous cinematography and interesting ideas,but in the end it turns to be the same old same old cliche story.Despite Luke Evans's dedication to the role and some intense dramatic moments,Dracula Untold is just a pop-corn flick with shaky cam action scenes and an uninteresting romance,that takes it self too seriously.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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5

NoxiousDec 1, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So the towns people turn on him with an impending 100k army on their doorstep, some how blindfolding an army makes logistical sense, and the little boy goes from the tower, to the back of that dudes horse torwards the end within a couple of frames....miraculously fast...These continuity/logical issues are what's wrong with movies like this. The mother lands from that high or what? She's alive? okay. The fight with the douche at the end, he walks into the tent with all the silver, with 0 sword or sheath in his hand, then, when it's time to fight, he has one. Then, this super humans strength amounts to not much in the actual sword fight against an actual mortal, oh cuz he's around a bunch of silver? Then he turns into bats when he has to, why didn't he do that in the first place? And wtf was the ending even about?… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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5

BrianMcCriticMar 8, 2015

An okay yet uninspiring take on the classic story. The film is well made and has some decent concepts, but is told in a very serious overly dreary way. C

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

lukechristianscOct 18, 2014

Every time i go to a see a good movie i never regret it or when i see a bad one then it turns out its good like frozen). While i went to the movie theatres and watch it i was just bored , tired when i saw this movie dracula untold it wasEvery time i go to a see a good movie i never regret it or when i see a bad one then it turns out its good like frozen). While i went to the movie theatres and watch it i was just bored , tired when i saw this movie dracula untold it was fascinating at first there were a few scares that all its not a horror film its an vampire -action pack adventure film ... duh. But some parts were just not worth it ( i am not a huge saga fan of vampire drama movies like twilight ... the only vampire film that is actually is worth is the classic is lost boys this one is well i have no words ). This is not a disappointment movie of 2014 this is actually good start of 2014's vampire genre improvement so far. Grade B- ,
One of the movies that i am looking forward to is seeing Alexander and the horrible , very bad day.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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6

ScottshakNov 12, 2014

Told by a beautiful dark direction of the newbie ‎Gary Shore‬, Stoker's tale has found a perfect variant.

‎Luke‬ is ravishing in the drac shoes and the tale is brilliantly scripted. There are subtle glimpses that Shore uses like depictingTold by a beautiful dark direction of the newbie ‎Gary Shore‬, Stoker's tale has found a perfect variant.

‎Luke‬ is ravishing in the drac shoes and the tale is brilliantly scripted. There are subtle glimpses that Shore uses like depicting rad scenes of war through the dead eyes of a Turk that makes things different. Although the action bit isn't that great and put out quickly, the story still keeps you rooted. Some clichéd pieces pop up here and there, but its our own favourite fictional protag Drac, what do you expect? The score is apt. It makes you feel the vampire wrath. Screenplay is good.

When we contain the awesomeness of Luke's gripping facial gravity, make it dark, combine it with some twists and turns of the legendary Bram Stoker's tale, add some ‪Cooper‬ to it, throw in some ‪Charles Dance‬ grim screenplay voice then lo! we get a good decent movie that has the potential to run a fine franchise on its own.

Can't wait for the sequel now!… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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4

reellmFeb 8, 2015

2/5★
Blah Dracula. There is nothing too good or too bad about the film. It's inoffensively bland and boring. Luke Evans' intensity elevates the film from B-movie status but he is hampered by an uninspired treatment of the origins of a2/5★
Blah Dracula. There is nothing too good or too bad about the film. It's inoffensively bland and boring. Luke Evans' intensity elevates the film from B-movie status but he is hampered by an uninspired treatment of the origins of a legendary monster.
Verdict- Skip… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

CitiPrimeOct 13, 2014

A new spin, to justify another telling of this oversold story. Special effects and action galore. Interesting and believable characters – fantastic make-up work. Part of a growing genre that attempts to convince the audience that heroesA new spin, to justify another telling of this oversold story. Special effects and action galore. Interesting and believable characters – fantastic make-up work. Part of a growing genre that attempts to convince the audience that heroes are so flawed that they are actually more (or equally) villain than the villain, and villains (wronged in a previous era) are actually acting under noble causes that justify their murderous/criminal activities. Entertaining movie, but bothersome neo-philosophy.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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6

Kenneth7693Nov 25, 2014

If your a fan of other vampire movies like 'Van Helsing' who introduce a new adaptation of Dracula, this is a movie for you, however it's still mediocre. If you like Bram Stoker's Dracula, don't expect any similarities with this movie.If your a fan of other vampire movies like 'Van Helsing' who introduce a new adaptation of Dracula, this is a movie for you, however it's still mediocre. If you like Bram Stoker's Dracula, don't expect any similarities with this movie. Dracula Untold is a story about Prince Vladimir the Impaler (Dracula), who acquires the the powers of a vampire to protect his family and people from the invading Turks. A lot of the movie tries to show how the prince resists to drink human blood and he's struggles with it. But it looks like he doesn't seem to suffer to much. First you see him shaking and almost trying to bite his wife, and the next moment he's hugging his son. The movies in my opinion fails to portray the struggle he's in. The battle scene's are pretty well done, but is a bit overkill. But I get they wanted to show the awesome strength of the son of the Devil. The final fight between Dracula en the Sultan of the Turks was disappointing. Overall the movie wasn't that bad as some reviews say. The end was a bit emotional but unfortunately not enough to convince you of the hard choice Dracula has to make. The acting all though is very good. Luke Evans gave a memorable performance, as well did the rest of the cast. Special effects where also very impressive. I a bit torn on what score to give this movie. I wanted to give it a 5, but it did make me a bit curious about the sequel that might be coming. So i give this movie a 6/10. I hope that the sequel will be more of a horror flick than an action flick.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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5

Movi3R3vi3werNov 27, 2014

Now I’m gonna be completely honest with you...this actually isn’t that bad. Is this a good movie? No. But in all honestly, I found this movie is entertaining and the best thing, vampires are awesome once more.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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5

DokaluJan 19, 2015

Gary Shore's new film is about the story a few people have heard about Dracula, telling us how he became who he is, how he passed from being a normal human to being one of the most famous vampires. The concept behind this movie is prettyGary Shore's new film is about the story a few people have heard about Dracula, telling us how he became who he is, how he passed from being a normal human to being one of the most famous vampires. The concept behind this movie is pretty awesome, so I think it could have been a much better film. Sadly, it was not well made. The acting is pretty regular. I can think that a lot of people could have done better with the main character's job. The action sequences are interesting, but the special effects could have been better. The script is awful and the plot has some flaws. When watching the movie you are always going to feel that something's missing, especially in the beginning, never knowing what that could be.
Any vampires fan, or at least Dracula fan, is going to enjoy this movie, for the story it tells that he has never seen before. Maybe someone can even enjoy the action, but the movie itself is just another one. It's a pity, because this film could have been a lot better.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

ClariseSamuelsMay 14, 2015

This is a new take on the Count Dracula story, and it gives actor Luke Evans in the title role a good opportunity to carry an entire film, playing a strange admixture of good and evil. Unlike most Faustian types who make a pact with the devilThis is a new take on the Count Dracula story, and it gives actor Luke Evans in the title role a good opportunity to carry an entire film, playing a strange admixture of good and evil. Unlike most Faustian types who make a pact with the devil because they lust for power, money and knowledge, this would-be Faust is forced to seek out the devil to protect his countrymen and his family, particularly his son. His motives are noble and lofty—he has to keep the evil Turks out of his Romanian province, where he is a prince, actually Vlad the Impaler, so named because he grew up as a hostage of the Ottoman Empire , where he was trained to be a soldier who was famous for killing thousands pitilessly.

After repenting of such a lifestyle, he becomes a loving husband and father, and comes home to reign in his castle as the prince of Wallachia. Finding out that the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed (Dominic Cooper), to whom Vlad pays taxes, has come to town to recruit a thousand young men from Wallachia, including Vlad’s own young son, causes a crisis of faith. Vlad returns to a cave where he knows there is a monstrous presence, a vampire trapped in the shadows, who awaits someone to discover him, then come back to him willingly and agree to trade places with him in exchange for the powers of darkness.

Vlad returns to the cave willingly after he realizes he cannot defeat the Ottoman Empire without help. He makes a deal with the grotesque vampire—he can enjoy the powers of darkness for three days; if he resists drinking blood for that period, he will be restored to himself; if not, his vampirism will become a permanent state, and he will become the vampire trapped in the shadows. Thus begins Vlad’s challenge. He acquires fantastic strength and the ability to turn himself into a swarm of bats, but like all vampires, he is sensitive to sunlight and pure silver. Single-handedly he walks into a small army of Turkish troops and destroys them, much to the shock of his compatriots. His wife begins to notice some suspicious changes, and he confesses to her the pact that he made. Will the new Dracula win the war in three days?

The landscapes are dramatically dark and eerie, and Luke Evans seems to have mastered this persona, having just played a heroic leader and a protective father in the last Hobbit installment. Dialogue is ridden with clichés and character sketches are weak—self-sacrificing wife, evil sultan, horrific demon, handsome child, trusting associates, and robotic enemy armies. It’s all there, the difference being that this Dracula has to control his thirst for blood, which is the only plot line that lends the story some depth and complexity, since the eternal battle of the soul to choose either good or evil will always generate some interest. Evans is classically handsome and athletically fit, and his charisma alone is enough to make the film, in spite of everything, highly watchable.… Expand