Not another movie about Dracula. Haven’t there been enough of those? That’s a thought that raced through many minds when Universal Studios announced that Gary Shore will direct the Dracula project, “Dracula Untold,” starring Luke Evans (“Fast and the Furious 6”) and Dominic Cooper (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”). Yet those who absolutely loved the story were ecstatic. Maybe this time it will actually be a movie worth seeing. And in truth, it is.
The film bases Dracula around Vlad the Impaler, Prince of Transylvania, who is simply trying to protect his people from the Turks. To do so, he must become something that men will fear: a monster.
The story changes the original tale, but it makes it work beautifully, flowing with very few dragging moments. It keeps the viewer’s interests because something is always happening on the screen, whether it’s a battle or Vlad fighting against his urges. The story always progresses smoothly and quickly to keep the view engaged.
You have to remember going into this film that this is an origin story. So for those who want to see the typical vampire biting, you have to be patient for it. But as an origin story, it does a beautiful job at giving the entire legend a breath of fresh air. It seems that vampire movies are all becoming the same film about a forbidden romance. But this film concentrates on Vlad himself, not his romance with his wife. Yes, it is part of the film, but it isn’t the only aspect; it isn’t out there as the main dilemma.
Sadly, there are some plot holes in the film. It never truly explains who and what one character is, except that he is a vampire and the one that changes Vlad into Dracula. But other than that, you don’t question what happens, and you tend to lose yourself in the world of the story.
So, should you go see this film? Well, do you enjoy a good story? Do you like the story of Dracula that Bram Stoker brought to the world? If so, or if you just like a fun, action-packed film, then go see it. It’s a film not to be missed. And what better time is there to see a vampire movie, especially a Dracula one, than during the Halloween season?
