REVIEW: DRACULA UNTOLD

The tale of vampire Count Dracula has been told in films countless times. The character was originally conceived by author Bram Stoker in his novel Dracula many decades ago. Dracula is thought to be inspired by a real life prince of royalty from Eastern Europe named Vlad the Impaler who ruled many centuries ago. This year, Hollywood brings another adaptation (or interpretation) of Dracula.

The title of the film is Dracula Untold. The film marks the directorial debut of Gary Shore. The film stars Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Sasha Gadon, Samantha Barks, and Charles Dance. It is written by Mark Sazama and Burk Sharpless.

How will the latest version of the famous Dracula fare? Do read on…

Luke Evans in the title role of soon to be Dracula

SYNOPSIS:

During a distant past in Eastern Europe, Prince Vlad (Luke Evans) is battling the powerful Turkish Sultan Mehmed (Dominic Cooper) who is aiming to conquer the prince’s kingdom. After being forced by the sultan to send 1000 boys as slave, the prince must find other means to save his kingdom and his people. Prince Vlad journeys to a nearby mountain, where he encounters a mysterious powerful figure. This figure promises eternal powers provided that the prince drinks his blood. Under desperation, Prince Vlad drinks his blood thus the legend of the Dracula is born.

To safe his son's life, he must do the unthinkable

SCRIPT:

Fresh and original but could have been better. I actually liked the originality of the idea of the storyline. As the film title suggests, it is a different take on the iconic character and it is expected in the film. The plot is pretty straight-forward and light on the mind. However, it does sometimes try to be too heavy on the dialogue but it can be easily forgiven.

Dominic Cooper as a Turkish sultan, the film's antagonist

ACTING:

Luke Evans and Dominic Cooper are very talented actors but they were under-utilized in this film. Their acting capabilities were limited as they were surrounded by big sets and heavy visual effects. Dominic Cooper was not as convincing as the villain but Charles Dance, who played the mysterious figure in the mountain, performed well.

Dracula is leading his people into war.

FILMING:

For a film that was marketed as a visual effects extravaganza, it served its purpose. That was about it. Nice cinematography from John Schwartzmann (Armageddon, Pearl Harbour) which gave the dark and gritty look. The film is very much a newcomer’s film. Since director Gary Shore is inexperienced, he lives little to the imagination in surprising the audience. However, he does make a decent effort for his debut.

Behind the scenes during filming

PACING:

Not too draggy and decent pacing.

TONE (MOOD):

To save his nation and his people, a royal leader must embark on a dark journey if he intends to be victorious

One man against an army.

DOWNSIDE:

The duration of the movie is too short. It is under 95 minutes including credits. It should have been longer and expanded.

UPSIDE:

I like the original idea of giving Dracula a different backstory to its character. However, many might not agree with me.

The only person that matters to Prince Vlad

OVERALL:

It is a decent film. I won’t go as far as to say it is a ‘must watch’, it can be some light entertainment.

RATING:

6 out of 10