Hello again, horror lovers! Welcome back to another edition of Underrated Horror Movie of the Month. If you are new here, make yourself comfortable while I explain what’s happening here. Twice every month, on the second and fourth Friday, I talk about a horror movie that I feel is underrated and underloved. In this edition, I dive into one of my favorite vampire movies, Dracula 2000. Join me if you dare.
About Dracula 2000
This movie is a unique take on the classic Dracula tale from horror master Wes Craven. In it, Abraham Van Helsing (Christopher Plummer), the famous vampire hunter, is working as an antique dealer. Among his private stash? None other than Dracula (Gerard Butler) himself. Unfortunately, his collection gains the interest of a group of thieves.
After they cannot open the sealed box, the thieves decide to take it with them, a grave mistake. Of course, Dracula is revived and breaks loose from his prison. As soon as he is free, the ancient vampire returns to what he does best — death and debauchery.
Van Helsing and his apprentice Simon (Johnny Lee Miller) go after Dracula. Their goal is to put him back in his box, where he belongs. Will they be successful, or will they be too late?
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Additional cast includes Justine Waddell, Vitamine C, Shane West, Nathan Fillion, Sean Patrick Thomas, Omar Epps, Danny Masterson and others. Joel Soisson and Patrick Lussier provided the story, and Wes Craven directed it.
Dracula 2000 has a dismal Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes at only 17 percent. The Audience Score is 39 percent.
My Thoughts
Dracula 2000 is one of my favorite vampire movies. Let me tell you why. There are several points I can make in favor of this movie; the acting is superb, Craven is my favorite horror director — I could go on. However, one detail that takes the film to the next level for me is Dracula’s origin story.
I may be giving away too much by talking about this part of the story, but it is one of the biggest reasons I love it. So, fair warning. In most Dracula stories, the viewer never really sees what created the vampire race. A few bring up viruses, demons and other similar causes. Not Dracula 2000.
In this version, Dracula was once known by a different name: Judas. Yes, the Judas from the Bible who is infamous for betraying Jesus. According to the lore presented in this movie, Judas tried to hang himself but was cursed and couldn’t die. Instead, he became this evil, immortal creature who must feed on blood. He has the power to make others like him, dead yet alive.
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Other things I love about this movie include Gerard Butler as Dracula. Given his film credits, this does not seem like it would fit him, but boy does it ever! Butler personifies the egotistical, bloodthirsty vampire.
There is one scene with Simon that always makes me smile. He is grappling with a vampire and pulls out a cross. The vamp laughs and says that won’t work on him because he is an atheist. Simon reveals a dagger hidden inside the cross and tells the vamp, “God loves you anyway,” as he stabs him in the eye. I cannot help but giggle every time I watch that scene.
Final Thoughts
I recommend watching Dracula 2000 at least once. Is it a bit cheesy at times? Yes, but the overall experience is so worth it.
There you have it, horror lovers, another Underrated Horror Movie of the Month in the bag! Another down, many more to go.
Check out the trailer to this fantastic vampire movie below, and then let me know what you think in the comments. Let me know which film you think I should feature next. Until next time, stay spooky!
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/american-mary-horror-katharine-isabelle/
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