Origins rewrite fails to draw blood

BEFORE Transylvania became a dark and foreboding place, before its most famous permanent resident developed a thirst for human blood, it was ruled - firmly but fairly - by Vlad the Impaler, a stand-up guy (despite his title) who would stop at nothing to protect his kingdom and its subjects and above all, his family. Vicious in battle and a loving family man underneath the heavy armour, Vlad just wants to be left alone - but an army of invading Turks threatens to ruin the domestic bliss.

Dracula Untold is the story of how Vlad is compelled into making a Faustian pact with an ancient cave-dwelling vampire in an effort to save his kingdom - not such a bad deal, especially since it comes with a long-term guarantee of immortality. "I just want peace," pleads a desperate Vlad (Luke Evans) as his grizzled, bloodsucking tormentor (Charles Dance) licks his lips (and Vlad's exposed neck) in anti…