Dracula '92: Over the Top, But I Kinda Love It?

Okay, international cinema fans! I recently re-watched Francis Ford Coppola's "Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992), and I just had to discuss. I know, I know, it's not exactly hidden gem material, but it sparks so many thoughts. First off, Gary Oldman is just...wow. He's terrifying and sympathetic all at once, especially in the scenes when he's aged down and looks almost fragile. That scene with Keanu Reeves getting his throat shaved? Ugh, still makes me squirm. But I digress. What really gets me is how visually bonkers it is! It feels like Coppola just threw everything at the wall and hoped it would stick. The theatrical sets, the hyper-stylized costumes, the reliance on practical effects... it's almost overwhelming at times. Some might call it cheesy, and honestly, some of it is. Keanu Reeves's…attempt at a British accent? Let's not even go there. But I think that's part of the charm, you know? It's so unapologetically extra. Winona Ryder is great too, but I always found her Mina a bit passive. I wish they'd given her more agency. Anthony Hopkins is a solid Van Helsing, though, and he really sells the vampire hunter craziness. Seriously, he's just having a blast. There's a part where he's explaining the nature of vampires and he looks like he might explode from excitement. I think while this might not be the most faithful adaptation, it totally embraces the gothic horror aesthetic. Ultimately, I can't help but enjoy it. It's a flawed film, sure, but it's also so damn memorable. What do you guys think? Am I alone in my affection for this gloriously over-the-top vampire flick? Spill the tea!