Dracula Untold

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of warfare, vampire attacks, disturbing images, and some sensuality
Run Time: 92 minutes
My Rating: 4.5/5
So last night my wife and I went and saw Universal's Dracula Untold starring Luke Evans (The Hobbit), and directed by newcomer Gary Shore.  The film details the origins of the famous vampire Dracula.  It all starts with Vlad (Luke Evans), the prince of Transylvania, who declares war on the Turks when he won't give up his son and a thousand of other children of Transylvania to the Turkish army.  In order to prepare for war he seeks a terrible power that will help him defeat his enemies.  What Vlad doesn't know though is that this terrible power comes at such a dangerous cost and if Vlad doesn't learn to live with the consequences then he may lose everything he loves in the process.
Now many of you will be skeptical about my rating being so high, but this film was based on pure entertainment value.  From start to finish I was intrigued by the film and what it had to offer.  I will be honest there are some really cheesy moments and there are some moments when the acting isn't that great, but I came out of the film just really happy.  In fact to my surprise there were even people that clapped after the film.
Now for an actual  analysis.  The cinematography was fantastic.  The actions scenes were done amazingly and they were very entertaining.  Also the special effects are what make the movie.  With a film like this, special effects can make or break it, but in this film they definitely make the film.  Watching Vlad transform in to the infamous Dracula as he suffers through the consequences of what this actually means for him is very well done.
Finally probably the best thing about this film is the actual origin story.  The vampire Dracula has been around for decades, but the new take on the origin is somewhat unique.  This film completely makes the audience rethink about what they thought of the world's original vampire.  One thing that makes me excited about this film is the plan that this film sets in motion.  Thanks to Marvel and their introduction of the "Cinematic Universe," it has become the latest craze for Hollywood to create "cinematic universes" for their characters.  Universal is just the latest one to do this and personally I am really excited about this one.  Universal wants to reboot all their famous monsters and put them in the same universe and eventually have them all in the same movie.  Dracula Untold is supposed to be the film that sets up the whole universe and to tell you the truth if this universe does the same greatness as this film, then it is going to be awesome.
Overall all this is a great film.  If you are worried because of the horror aspect, don't be.  Honestly it is more of an action film then a horror movie.  I would recommend this film to anyone.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions just let me know.