Dracula Untold

Rating: 

Through a mix up at a local theater, instead of enjoying the Boxtrolls, I found myself watching Dracula Untold. (We received these tickets for free, so I was not one to complain).

Sadly, I have not yet read the original works, but I can tell you that this movie was fairly well done. From what I have gathered through the summaries on Goodreads, this movie is set before the book.(I am also very unsure after this movie if the book fits in at all.)

Vlad Dracula (Luke Evans) had a dark childhood and has found himself free of being The Impaler for the Turks for over ten years. Of course, things do not stay all that peaceful when the Turks ask for more than just the regular payment for the Sultan. They want 1000 boys for their armies as well.

There is a belief that Vlad has been killing the Turkish spies (that are not supposed to be in the country anyway) and this is payment. The truth is that there is a monster in a cave who can kill Turks with its bare hands. Is there a chance that this monster could be Vlad's hope to saving the boys so they do not go through the same torment he did?

There is a nice play on the origin of Dracula's name as well. We see the transition from "Son of the Dragon" to "Son of the Devil" with a nice bit of character development. It's a bit gruesome in some areas, although it has a little bit of something for everyone. Action, love, revenge, and an interesting ending. This movie was clearly set up for a second installment, although they could leave it as it is as well.

Fair warning: If you enjoy Twilight type of vampires - this movie is not for you. The vampires stick with their traditional powers, although CGI helped add a bit of a twist.

I enjoyed the movie and I hope you do as well.