Underworld

For over six centuries there has been a war between Vampires and Lycans. After the death of the Lycan leader Lucian (Sheen) at the hand of vampire warrior Kraven (Brolly), the elite vampire forces known as Deathdealers, headed by Selene (Beckinsale) has taken the war to a new level, wiping out the Lycans before they even transform into their werewolf form. But just as the vampires thought they were getting on top, Lycan activity has stepped up as they are now targeting humans and Michael Corvin (Speedman) is their chief target.

Bringing together horror's biggest mythologies sounds like a dream ticket for all fans of the genre but what we have is a slightly missed opportunity.

Underworld has a lot of things going for it. The premise is electrifying as the thought of Vampires and Werewolves fighting it out with automatic weapons is enough to get any horror fan salivating. The look of the movie mixes the Gothic style of Eastern Europe with modern technology and cutting edge fashion. The action takes everything that is good from Blade, The Matrix and early John Woo and stirs them into an action concoction that is as satisfying as it is bloody. The problem is they forgot about having a comprehensible plot.

Back story is only revealed in short flash back sequences, how the Deathdealers came to be is never really explained and the level of detail for most of the key story elements needs too much thinking about to let the plot flow at any real pace. You end up realising the reasons for action way after you should have or even after the movie has ended. Also while the Werewolves still follow the mythology, with one explained exception, the vampires are totally different from the norm. They have reflections, no fear of the cross, can enter a house uninvited and can be quite easily killed.

Another problem is that not all the characters are fleshed out enough. Kraven's motivations are never truly explained and Shane Brolly doesn't look evil or strong enough to be the leader of the Vampires. You really can't take Bill Nighy as the father of the vampires either, as he just sounds slightly camp and also the reasons for his extended sleep is never really explained.

On the plus side Kate Beckinsale makes an excellent heroine and proves that anyone can do action successfully with the right training. She looks absolutely stunning in her tight PVC outfit and comes across as a perfect vampire, sexy and alluring with a strong hint of danger. Scott Speedman is also good as Michael but while most of his story is engaging, his big finale is a slight let down.

Underworld had all the potential to be a classic piece of action horror. While it does deliver the promised battle between werewolves and vampires with some style and some excellent special effects, the lack of a comprehensible plot never lets the movie get out of the good category. It is just an entertaining piece of eye candy but you can't help thinking that it could have been so much more.

Director and writer commentary, Technical effects, Creature features, Stunts featurette, Sights and sounds of Underworld, The making of Underworld, Finch 'Worms And Earth', Storyboard comparison, TV spots, Trailers, Interactive menus & Scene selection

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2003