Here is yet another movie that had potential, but fell short of the mark. This Dracula movie puts a spin on the traditional tale of the bloodsucker, giving it a Catholic perspective, yet includes several elements of Bram Stocker's "Dracula". The setting of this Dracula story is New Orleans but it opens far away in England where Dracula (Gerard Butler) is released from his tomb hidden deep underground an antique shop by some thieves believing that the steel coffin contains valued treasure of the owner (Christopher Plummer).
Dracula arrives in the Bayou State via the thieves' plane that crashes in the swamp and immediately begins searching for Mary (Justine Waddell) who is his "soul mate". Mary, comically enough works for Virgin records. She also lives with a housemate and dear friend named Lucy (who was also a character form the novel.) This Dracula movie is different as the origin of Dracula aka Vlad the Impaler of the Dracul (ne Vladamir Kretzulesco) is Biblical. "Dracula 2000" delves deep into Catholic lore to explain the genesis of Dracula as being of the Apostle Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ. For those of you who did not have the benefit of a Catholic education, Judas betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus was crucified (put to death on the cross) and has a stake put into the side of his chest. Judas hung himself after the crucifixion of Christ, but according to some accounts, the rope broke and Judas was condemned to wander the earth undead, carrying the sin of betraying the Christ. This coincides with historical accounts of the 'wandering Israelite' who roamed Europe. We all know that Dracula is repulsed by amongst other things, silver (bullets), the Cross, and can be killed by wooden stakes through the heart. In this version of the tale, however, it seems traditional methods cannot kill this Dracula, not even sunlight.
Regrettably, there are several huge holes in the plot, among them: (a) several vampires infected by Dracula are not killed and therefore still at large in the streets of Crescent City, (b) Earlier in the movie, in a flashback circa 1800 Dracula is caught in the daylight but does not die. However, in the year 2000, he avoids the solar disk. (c) The use of Christianity in the origins of Dracula put an obscure, yet unique spin on the oft-told tale. The movie suggests that it was Jesus, by condemning Judas, as the one who sent vampires to Earth. (d) Many events take place in the middle of the French Quarter, yet no one sees a thing, and they don't get mugged walking through St. Louis Cemetery #1 late at night. If you like the Dracula genre and want to see yet another version of the story, then view this film. Otherwise, you're not missing much.
Billz Movie Worthiness Scale: D
Billz Movie Worthiness Scale Values:
A = movie tickets and popcorn for 2 (about $40)
B = buy the DVD when it comes out ($25)
C = rent it
D = wait for it to be on cable/pay TV
E = wait for it to be on regular TV
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