“Drink, Dracula” and thus, a legend was born by the name of Vlad “The Impaler” Tepes.
Dracula Untold is a movie structured on revenge, family issues, and, of course, sucking the blood out of every Turkish soldier nearby. But Dracula Untold’s greatest strength lies in the constant struggle with which Vlad battles his morality. Without giving away too much, the ultimate decision made in the end by Vlad makes the movie well worth the price of admission.
A wide cast of actors and actresses really help the movie come to life, including Luke Evans (as Vlad Tepes, better known for his role as Bard in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug), Sarah Gadon (as Mirena), Dominic Cooper (as Mehmed), and Charles Dance (as the “Master” vampire). These actors and actresses all offer a wide variety of style, and the roles given seem to fit all of their personalities.
The graphics are quite impressive, and the attention to detail was outstanding. Even on scenes where there is nothing but complete dialog, Vlad’s “fangs” can be seen through his mouth, his eyes can be seen in different coloration, and his skin color fluctuates from a darker tan to an eerie paste. All of these small but meaningful elements really give the movie that “pop” that makes Dracula Untold that much better.
As stated earlier, Dracula Untold’s biggest strength lies in the conflicts that Vlad must adapt to and face as the days pass, and his humanity slowly but surely drains from his mind and appearance.
The only downside in the movie is its plot, which sways at points, and, with so many other arousing features, it becomes easily overlooked. There were a few dull spots as well, but honestly, that’s a sacrifice that can be spared, and by the end of the movie, it is.
Dracula Untold set my expectations high, and lived up to, most, if not all, it presented. For its stellar cast, magnificent attention to detail, but lack of plot, I give Dracula Untold four out of five stars.