Van Helsing (film)

Van Helsing is a 2004 American dark fantasy action horror film directed by Stephen Sommers. The film stars Hugh Jackman as monster hunter Gabriel Van Helsing, and Kate Beckinsale as Anna Valerius. The narrative follows Van Helsing's mission to Transylvania to defeat Count Dracula, along with other monsters such as werewolves and Frankenstein's monster.

The film is a reimagining of the classic Universal Monsters films, incorporating elements and characters from Bram Stoker's Dracula, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and Universal's The Wolf Man. While not a direct adaptation of any single source, it draws heavily on the aesthetic and mythology established by these earlier works.

The plot revolves around Van Helsing, dispatched by a secret society within the Catholic Church, battling evil forces. He teams up with Anna Valerius, the last of her family line, who are sworn to defeat Dracula to redeem their ancestors. Their journey includes confrontations with Dracula's brides, werewolves serving Dracula, and ultimately, a complex plan by Dracula to give life to his offspring using Frankenstein's monster.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with criticism directed towards its plot, special effects, and over-the-top action sequences. However, it was a box office success, grossing over $300 million worldwide. Despite the mixed critical reception, Van Helsing has gained a following for its visual style, action sequences, and reinterpretation of classic monster lore. The film spawned an animated prequel, Van Helsing: The London Assignment.