FilmSnobReviews

Title: Dracula Untold
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Gary Shore
Starring: Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Sarah Gordon
Runtime: 1 hr 32 mins

What It Is: An origin of sorts for one of the world’s most iconic literary and cinematic characters Count Dracula. From his origins as the Prince of Transylvania a normal man called Vlad Tepes (Evans) to the mistake that cost him everything. We’re witness to his determination to keep his people together while also keeping his son Ingeras away from the Turkish King Mehmed (Cooper)  who is seeking the young heir to raise as his own. Vlad seeks power from a mysterious being that lives in a mountain deep in the mountains. What Vlad has to do to save his people will drive him  to the literal edge of his own humanity.

What We Think: Where do I start? I really don’t know what Gary Shore directed as this thing is kind of a mess. Sadly that’s the biggest problem, its directionlessness. It seems tohave a point but doesn’t get there without fallign over itself after each turn. Luke Evans is way above the material here and I’m still trying to figure out what Charles Dance is doing here besides wasting his *spoiler alert* post Game of Thrones career. If not for the awful dialogue this could’ve had a chance to be really good instead it trodges along without any true point.

Our Grade: D, There was so much better that could’ve become of this however it’s premise is failed by the sloppy writing and skill (if you;d call it that) of it’s absent conductor. Universal is going to have to do a much better job of reestablishing it’s “Monster” universe since this was suppose to be it’s introduction. Perhaps the next in the series which is suppose to be a new spin on “The Mummy” charater works far better then this obvious sequel baiting inro.