Review: ‘Dracula Untold’ gives a new twist on an old horror legend

Posted on November 14, 2014

By MARK VIOLA

With zombies roaming all over television and occasionally in movies these days, vampires may seem a little 2012, but there is still a bit of blood to be drained from the creatures of the night, as shown by “Dracula Untold,” a solid, if not spectacular addition to the genre.

The film landed in a busy October market–an obvious choice for a vampire film–and it’s only now that I’ve had to a chance to watch it. My first reaction, which I texted to a friend of mine upon leaving the theater, was that it’s “surprisingly decent.” Not high praise to be sure, but it is an entertaining popcorn flick for those looking for a bit of supernatural action combined with a interesting twist on a popular character.

Sure there are plot holes and convenient story elements, but at a lean 92 minutes, it packs enough action sequences and special effects to breeze through to the end without overstaying its welcome.

“Dracula Untold” is a fun, entertaining action movie that doesn’t try to be anything more than that, and ultimately succeeds at its mission.

The movie is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of warfare, vampire attacks, disturbing images and some sensuality.

(This is a shortened version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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