Dracula Untold, inspired by Bram Stoker’s seminal work of fiction, provides an origin story of the man who became the blood-sucking monster.

Directed by Gary Shore, Dracula Untold dares to give a humanizing backstory for one of the most infamous literay monsters. Working from a script penned by Mark Sazama and Burk Sharpless, Shore helms a movie that blends a sinister gothic tale with comic book blockbuster sensibilities. Starring Luke Evans in the titular role, formerly known as Vlad Tepes, Dracula Untold shows a loving father attempting to do battle with supernatural forces while trying – and failing – to keep them from corrupting his own person.

'Dracula Untold' Reviewed

Dracula Untold has been more or less panned by film critics. While they largely agree that the visuals the film provides are impressive, the substance is sorely lacking. The movie is blasted for how it went about giving Dracula an impetus for his actions, making him into something of an action hero. Speaking of heroes, the movie is also critized for borrowing too much from superhero films that have been taking over the box office.

"Dracula Untold is a movie that gives good trailer. That's not surprising because it's a visually arresting saga. Unfortunately, the story in the final, full version is thicker than blood. The idea is to humanize one of the most fearful monsters in the Western crypt. But Dracula Untold goes way overboard, past domestication and into canonization." – David Hiltbrand, Philadelphia Inquirer

“The movie is the latest multiplex filler to co-opt a classic tale only to drown it in computer-generated murk. Even the title has the ring of something created by committee. […] Looking for plausibility in a movie called “Dracula Untold” is as pointless as looking for humor or personality in Mr. Evans’s dour performance. But in a sea of gray, squinting is only natural.” – Ben Kenigsberg, The New York Times

"Twilight's vampires did enough damage to the undead. But at times Dracula Untold flirts with dullness so much that it might as well just stick a stake in the heart of Bram Stoker's legacy. But at least Luke Evans doesn't sparkle like the vampires in Twilight. His Dracula turns the iconic villain into a Transylvanian action hero in the new horror-fantasy film. But before he unleashes his power, Dracula Untold drags like a heavy coffin.” – Brian Truitt, USA Today

"For a tantalizing half hour or so, it actually seemed like the underlying idea of “Dracula Untold” might go somewhere. Unfortunately, in its search for fresh blood to rejuvenate the desiccated corpse of Bram Stoker’s hero, long since drained of narrative power, it goes places it shouldn’t. The film’s problems aren’t limited to liberal cadging from comic books. In fact, that’s precisely what’s best about the film, which occasionally boasts gorgeous visuals. But the movie doesn’t know when to stop stealing.” – Michael O’Sullivan, Washington Post

Dracula Untold is currently in wide release.