thellsing

Branagh takes a very Hitchcockian story but fumbles with the execution. Some parts and scenes are executed well with both ambiance, suspense and flair, with quite a few nods to the superior Hitchcock. But each good part is soon followed by a silly, goofy or ridiculous passage that undermines what has been built up regarding tension and suspense. Some scenes or details just come off as downright disrespectful towards the notion that this could (should) be a serious noir thriller. It's a very juvenile production - from set details, through some of the acting (Branagh himself have some of the worst examples) to the direction. A non-serious attempt at a serious script. Disappointing.

Interesting premise that made me imagine something along the lines of Alien. And they managed to create a great atmosphere through quality set decorations and lighting. Unfortunately that atmosphere never evolved and the horror elements never really materialized. The vampire makeup reminded me more of the now, rather familiar, orcs from Lord of the rings - and not the terrifying creature it should have been.

The feeling of dread and the possible cat-and-mouse-hunts during the night segments never materialized. And what was there were too often lost in darkness and ultra-fast editing. Alien on a sailing vessel, this was not.

Basically, there is *only* two things really wrong about this movie. They are Uwe Boll and Matthew Lillard. With some really talented people in their place this could very well have been a much more enjoyable film.

The acting is par or above. The effects are well done. And while the story isn't anything new, it's still usable for a fantasy movie like this.

So with different people behind the camera (and at least in one case in front of) this could have been rated 7. As it is now I only give it 5 (barely acceptable and nothing I recommend).