Dracula Untold: an interesting "origin" story for the famous character

This is not a new film but I think that due to the lack of known starpower when it was released in 2014 I allowed this one to pass me by. I really wish I hadn't done that because I can imagine that this film would be outstanding in a nice cinema with an excellent sound system or even IMAX.

src

This story completely deviates from the actual Bram Stoker's Dracula story from the original novel and I think this is at least part of the reason why this film got mixed reviews. I can kind of understand why they might think that way since it is considered one of the classic novels of all time, so some people might take it personally when the origin story completely ignores the original source material.

src

The story told here is that Dracula came to be a vampire by necessity to fend of an invading army that sought to conquer his lands. He is Vlad the Impaler but after committing such horrible war crimes, even though they worked, he becomes disgusted with his own past and attempts to live out his rule in peace, no longer seeking to be a fierce warrior. The Ottoman empire becomes increasingly demanding as far as tribute is concerned and Vlad does not have an army anywhere near strong enough to resist their advances on his land. He knows he can not win this war in a fair fight so naturally he seeks out the help of the supernatural.

src

The story is a bit weak as far as how he ends up learning what vampires are and also becoming one but I suppose it had to happen somehow and if you just let that one part of the film slide on the improbability, I think you can end up enjoying the violent nature of this film as well as the really nicely done special effects.

src

The fact that a few of his nemeses know a vampire's weaknesses despite the fact that the world doesn't know anything about vampires yet also isn't explained, it is simply something that you have to accept and move on. I feel as though making this film with a $70 million budget was a massive gamble on the part of Legendary Pictures since there are, as I pointed out earlier, no big name actors in it.

The story is actually a lot more interesting in my mind before Vlad turns into a vampire... from that point forward it almost seems reminiscent of many other vampire films although the underlings seem to be a lot less in control of their bodies and minds than Vlad is..... and this also isn't explained. In all other vampire films it seems there is a common theme that those that have been turned are for the most part beholden to their creator. This does not appear to be the case at all in Dracula Untold

Should I watch it?

I think that if you appreciate Dracula stories, and I tend to, that this is a good find for anyone that hasn't seen it. It amps up the action in a way that is similar to 300 and I find this wildly entertaining. The story is a bit convenient and weak but I suppose it had to be in order to fit this movie into the usual 90 minutes-long endeavor.

I believe most people will enjoy this, just don't be expecting a great deal from the story. It's all about the action, baby! On the other hand if you don't have an affinity towards vampire / Dracula films, I think it is unlikely that this one is going to change your mind about that.