Toying with the opposing forces of magnificence and mediocrity, Dracula Untold has moments of cinematic gold and cliché in abundance.

With the former, there’s evidence of Shore’s debutant nerves. Through clumsy edits, rushed narratives and restricted imagination, especially in supernatural battle scenes, the film suffocates its own potential. The positives only compound this frustration as a plot fused with irony and moral ambiguity renews this ‘origins’ story with an impressive depth.

The clearest illustration of this dilemma occurs during an inventive use of reflection and POV, that could have been stunning if only it had been more masterfully executed.

The film that has the potential to soar is thwarted by its saccharine moments and a lack of directorial confidence. Evans is a strong lead but he’s yet to become the indelible icon of a blockbusting franchise and Dracula Untold will not change that fact.   

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Sarah Gadon, Charles Dance

DIRECTOR: Gary Shore

WRITERS: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless

SYNOPSIS: When it is demanded his son join the ruthless Turkish Army,  Vald the Impaler turns to the supernatural to avoid the annihilation of his kingdom.