By: JWBM
When the trailer for this film first came out, I was tightly crossing my arms and thinking this was probably nothing but a silly gimmick solely concocted by Hollywood to sell some tickets and run. Then again, Romanians probably think those odd for using loose elements of the historical figure of Vlad Tepes and transforming him into a fanged dark lord. The premise of "Vampire Hunter" is just as over-the-top and ludicrous as you'd expect, though surprisingly it has a certain level of entertainment and charm to it that manages to keep one's attention throughout. Instead of going the route of historical revisionism with a comedic approach and a vibe like "Bill & Ted" or "Clone High," this blends fantasy, action, and horror into a more serious undertaking of an alternate timeline to Lincoln's life—as serious as throwing popcorn in your mouth, while not cracking a smile from one-liners that is. You can imagine, though, Lincoln's real-life relatives are rolling in their graves.
What I like about the story is it will do something that would question your sense of disbelief, but then in the next scene act more grounded and allow room to breathe. It begins as a simple revenge tale with a formula taken straight out of the textbook of an old kung fu film. You know the one: an all-knowing master that's willing to show the ways of the secret arts in a short amount of time for the ultimate show down with the all-powerful villain who prays on the weak. You get fancy moves that defy physics, philosophical catch phrases, and now a more hardened and determined character with a silver tipped axe that acts as if he has the confidence of a gang of ten men. Lincoln still has a certain calm temperament between slayings: enough that he still doesn't lie, manages to bag the hottest lass in town, and become president of the United States of America no less with the intent to abolish slavery.
The film has a massive budget to show off an array of stylish and slick action scenes that'll make the eyes-wide and your imagination go wild. This is coming from the director of "Night Watch" and "Wanted" if that says anything for how far someone's abilities are going to be taken, or how the aesthetics of the scene will perfectly line up in a smooth fashion. Sometimes so much so that some powers and certain rules are inconsistent over the measured timing of certain parts. If not for some moments to tie in Lincoln's life, the film would be a solid action flick throughout. The horror side of it goes only as far as being mildly surprising, rather than outright terrifying due to only so many limitations from the monsters; plus an odd sense of boosted strength from humans as well. It's more like a neck and neck good versus evil tale, than a total domination creature feature.
We've seen countless vampire stories since Stoker's novel hit the shelves. Some of them tried and true Gothic tales; others more modern to look like they're happening right next door; or as an excuse for amped up sexuality, or violence. Here, we have a whole new creative animal: it's eccentric, it's unconventional, it's a history professor's worst nightmare, though one must accept that before going in. That still doesn't excuse the overall experience. It's a senseless premise that still keeps its senses when played out. It does have a certain flow that doesn't snag, a sense of worked-through plot, the actors overall have a certain refinement and take it as seriously as they can, and, most importantly, it can be down-right fun at times. Put on your horse blinders, don't look back, and enjoy the ride.
Rating: 7/10
Director: Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch; Wanted)
Actors: (Benjamin Walker; Dominic Cooper; Mary Elizabeth Winstead; Rufus Sewell)
Info: IMDB link
Trailer: Youtube link
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