Craven's Dracula falls prey to clichˇ

Wes Craven has taken to conformity to boost popularity of his new film Dracula 2000. Combining strategies with the likes of films such as Arnold Schwarzenegger's last big action flop End of Days and Craven's own witty Nightmare On Elm Street series, Craven's latest horror flick combines the elements of a common plot line with a sickening twist that only the genius of horror could produce. The story begins in present time, following a confusing opening scene of 18th century England. Abraham Van Helsing, played by Christopher Plummer, has been involved with the protection of Dracula ever since an encounter over 200 years ago. He now keeps the vampire encased in a tomb in a highly secured museum because no one has ever found out how to kill him. Seeing that Helsing must have something extremely valuable contained in the safe, an employee brings in a team of high-tech criminals to steal all of his most valuable possessions. Thus, you have the reconstruction of one of the most powerful beings ever created, Dracula. Omar Epps leads the team as they excavate the coffin to a nearby plane. Helsing soon discovers the tragedy and begins to search for his age-old nemesis, hoping that Dracula will not reach his only daughter Lucy, played by Colleen Fitzpatrick. This is the point in which the story becomes unoriginal, seeping into the Armageddon-based plot from End of Days. Even more clichˇ is the wanna-be boy hero, played by Jonny Lee Miller, who curiously follows Helsing and becomes the saving grace after the old man's short death. This element undoubtedly subtracts from Craven's originality and ability to push horror ideas onto an unsuspecting audience. His best transition into public popularity was grasped in the Scream trilogy, but unfortunately sees no place in Dracula 2000. However, Craven's story is not without dazzle, as the special effects portrayed with Dracula's actions are comparable to the likes of his past films. This is especially demonstrated in Lucy's seductive dreams of Dracula. On the lighter side, the only disappointing factor in Dracula 2000 is the plot. Craven's special effect ideas and Scream-like ending make the film interesting at best with a twist that only Craven could conjure. Rating: C+