Rating of
2.5/4
There's little bite in this version of "Dracula"
kcvidkid - wrote on 06/04/08
Jess Franco's "Count Dracula" is supposedly a faithful adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic novel. But it reeks more of 1970 than 1897.
I actually enjoyed it, but probably out of respect for those involved rather than any entertainment value. Overall, there is no pace or suspense; it's just an emotionless retelling of the legend. And it reveals that there's probably a reason why there has never been an authentic version.
On a DVD-extra interview, the director expresses much fondness for this movie, while admitting that more could have been done had money not run out after Christopher Lee completed filming his parts. Since Lee really isn't IN the movie all that much, the entire thing looked pretty cheap to me.
I probably liked it as much as I did only because I am very familiar with the story. Someone new would probably be confused, especially since several events happen inexplicably, then are explained in a following scene.
It's not great; it's not even very good. But it's a relatively harmless waste of time.
