Wes Craven Presents: Dracula 2000

   When a sophisticated band of thieves break into an antique dealer's high-security vault looking for loot, they don't expect to find at the heart of the catacomb a heavily protected crypt as the prize. Unaware of its contents, the group transports the coffin from London to the United States. Back in London, the antique dealer, Van Helsing (Christopher Plummer), frantically gathers his equipment to pursue the robbers with hopes of catching them before they open the coffin. Of course, he doesn't, and Dracula (Gerard Butler) is soon released from his 100-year confinement. Now it is a race against time to stop Dracula from getting to Van Helsing's daughter (Justine Waddell) in New Orleans.

   This modern-day vampire movie is nothing more than the well-worn tale with new window dressing, though even the high-tech gadgetry use to break into the practically impenetrable vault is soon abandoned for the weaponry from days of old. One would think that in the new millennium ultra-modern weapons might have been forged to fight Dracula, but the only space-age accessory is the Nosferatu's stylized body bag.

   Although Dracula still hungers for power and is surrounded by seductive vampire minions, the Mardi Gras atmosphere does little to add to the mood. The film concentrates more on the gore and less on fright and suspense. Hardcore fans might beat least partially sated by the plentiful impaling, beheadings, bloodletting and animorphing.    Starring Gerard Butler, Christopher Plummer, Justine Waddell and Jonny Lee Miller. Directed by Patrick Lussier. Written by Joel Soisson. Produced by Keith Broder and Joel Soisson. A Dimension release. Horror. Rated R for violence/gore, language and some sexuality. 99 min.