The film basically is about "a team of techno-savvy thieves (who) break into a high-security vault, (but) they don't discover priceless artwork ... they find a crypt that hasn't been opened for 100 years! Suddenly, the ancient terror of Dracula is unleashed in the chaotic 21st century. Free to follow his pursuits of seduction and power, Dracula's first destination is America and the exotic city of New Orleans, a place where he feels right at home. Not far behind, however, is a young vampire hunter from London, determined to save a young woman with whom Dracula shares his dark legacy!"
Up until the end of the film, it's pretty much your standard update of the Dracula story in modern times. It's definitely been done before by Christopher Lee and Hammer. Where this gets interesting is when they reveal that Dracula is actually Judas Iscariot, who sold Christ out for 30 pieces of silver (which is why he hates silver) and hung himself. The rope breaks and God curses Judas to live eternally as a vampire for his sin. Now, I'm not saying that this plot device doesn't raise questions, like "Why would God make him have to kill other people to live? Isn't that punishing us all?" or others of that nature. I just find it fascinating that writers Joel Soisson and Patrick Lussier would go in a religious direction to set this film's backstory apart from all the others. That really is the reason why this film stands out in my mind over other Dracula tales that have come and gone over the years.
Actually, Soisson has quite a history of being involved in religious horror and genre films. He's written, directed, and executive produced The Prophecy films, which are about a battle between angels. I'd like to get the opportunity sometime to sit down and chat with him where all this fascination with religion comes from.
