Zarban wrote:

So, what is really wrong with Van Helsing? I mean, I can point to specific things I don't like, and the panel did as well, but what's the bottom line? Is this script just too much of a mess to save?

To me, it's got about three movies' worth (or a whole TV season's worth) of monsters and villains and crazy happenings.

I think this is exactly the answer to your question. There is simply too damn much going on to engage meaningfully with it. It's like every character always has three goals pulling him or her in three different directions, with no really meaningful throughline for anyone, and no tension can be built because to juggle all these threads the movie has to essentially change the subject every couple of minutes, particularly at the climax when things start happening all on top of each other.

You save the script, IMO, by making the story about dealing with ONE monster, and Van Helsing just has to incidentally wade through some other monsters along the way because that's the world he inhabits. As Trey said, it's the attempt to create the Grand Unified Theory of Classic Monsters that sinks it.

Jimmy B wrote:

Oh, they do a bit of Weisz swooning, if I recall correctly.

Uhh, that may have been me. Cause... yeah.

fireproof78 wrote:

Do we really think that Tony would see a psychologist? I mean, the narcissism alone would make Freud quit the business

I see what you are saying, but are we to believe that Tonys ego is too big to see a psychologist about some minor anxiety attacks, yet he is willing to leave behind what has defined him for so long, and what he has put so much work into? in my opinion you cannot really have both and still have a consistent characher. The final line in the film is basically "I am still Iron Man", so clearly he destroyed almost all his work despite mentally not being finished with it.

If it makes you guys feel any better, with tomorrow's recording including VAN HELSING -- a movie I've always hated -- plus coming at the end of a brutal pilot season, plus being Cinco de Mayo, there's a decent chance the inaugural WAYDM recordings will feature an appearance by special guest Drunkman. Be there and find out!

fireproof78 wrote:

BigDamnArtist wrote:

Dude come on. That's a bit insensitive, I mean really. Just cause you're the only one that's going to survive the week doesn't mean you need to rub it in.

I just started my work week....so there!!

(not sure what point I was making there)

It's so sad when the grief turns them mad.

This specimen is a particularly advanced case.

So sad.

Jimmy B wrote:

Also, has everyone in this forum been told they are going to die soon? Almost everyone is pissy and on edge these days. Bloody hell.

Dude come on. That's a bit insensitive, I mean really. Just cause you're the only one that's going to survive the week doesn't mean you need to rub it in.