Underworld: Evolution
3/4
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Steven Mackintosh
Rated R for Pervasive Strong Violence and Gore, Some Sexuality/Nudity and Language
I thought that the first "Underworld" was an interesting misfire. It had a promising story and great action sequences, but Len Wiseman was more concerned about making the film look good than actually telling the story. Here, Wiseman has either calmed down or matured as a filmmaker, because the sequel rectifies much of the first film's flaws.
The sequel (which has almost nothing to do with the first film despite the return of a few characters) details the exploits of vampire Selene (Beckinsale) and her half vampire/half werewolf squeeze, Michael (Speedman). In order to get back on the good side, they must seek the help of the first and most powerful vampire, Marcus (Curran). Unfortunately, he has his own agenda: freeing his brother, the first werewolf William (Brian Steele), who has been locked in a cage since 1202. Now they must stop him before they wreck havoc on the world.
"Underworld: Evolution" is better focused and acted, but the problem is the story. It isn't terrible; it's moderately engaging and keeps things moving inbetween the numerous action scenes, but it lacks the grand melodrama of the first (however ineptly told that may have been). Wiseman follows a pretty rigid formula: fight scene, talk to character who has the answers, travel to the next place, fight scene, talk, travel, repeat. I half expected this to be released as a video game.
The acting is serviceable, but there's no time for Shakespeare. Kate Beckinsale slides easily back into the role (in more ways than one). Scott Speedman has improved greatly, but I don't expect him to be getting an Oscar anytime soon. Tony Curran makes for an okay villain, but he lacks any sort of edge. Much beloved classical actor Derek Jacobi is also on hand in a small but important role; sadly there's not much he can do.
If you've put the DVD in the player without looking at it, it's obvious from frame one that this is a sequel to "Underworld." The blue-black monochromatic look of the film, bullets and gore fly everywhere, and lots of shots of Kate Beckinsale in a skin-tight leather outfit. Len Wiseman has improved his craft considerably, and for the better.
Look. Is it a good movie? Not really. I enjoyed it moderately while I was watching it, but that's all.
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Steven Mackintosh
Rated R for Pervasive Strong Violence and Gore, Some Sexuality/Nudity and Language
I thought that the first "Underworld" was an interesting misfire. It had a promising story and great action sequences, but Len Wiseman was more concerned about making the film look good than actually telling the story. Here, Wiseman has either calmed down or matured as a filmmaker, because the sequel rectifies much of the first film's flaws.
The sequel (which has almost nothing to do with the first film despite the return of a few characters) details the exploits of vampire Selene (Beckinsale) and her half vampire/half werewolf squeeze, Michael (Speedman). In order to get back on the good side, they must seek the help of the first and most powerful vampire, Marcus (Curran). Unfortunately, he has his own agenda: freeing his brother, the first werewolf William (Brian Steele), who has been locked in a cage since 1202. Now they must stop him before they wreck havoc on the world.
"Underworld: Evolution" is better focused and acted, but the problem is the story. It isn't terrible; it's moderately engaging and keeps things moving inbetween the numerous action scenes, but it lacks the grand melodrama of the first (however ineptly told that may have been). Wiseman follows a pretty rigid formula: fight scene, talk to character who has the answers, travel to the next place, fight scene, talk, travel, repeat. I half expected this to be released as a video game.
The acting is serviceable, but there's no time for Shakespeare. Kate Beckinsale slides easily back into the role (in more ways than one). Scott Speedman has improved greatly, but I don't expect him to be getting an Oscar anytime soon. Tony Curran makes for an okay villain, but he lacks any sort of edge. Much beloved classical actor Derek Jacobi is also on hand in a small but important role; sadly there's not much he can do.
If you've put the DVD in the player without looking at it, it's obvious from frame one that this is a sequel to "Underworld." The blue-black monochromatic look of the film, bullets and gore fly everywhere, and lots of shots of Kate Beckinsale in a skin-tight leather outfit. Len Wiseman has improved his craft considerably, and for the better.
Look. Is it a good movie? Not really. I enjoyed it moderately while I was watching it, but that's all.
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