Rating: 7/10
Review date: October 6, 2003
Underworld took place in a world where vampires and werewolves (also known as Lycans) have been at war for centuries. Selene, a tough vampire warrior, discovered a Lycan plot to change the tide of war which involves a human, Michael Corvin. Selene then attempts to restore the balance of power amidst a whirlwind of love, betrayal and loyalty.
Before I start, let me make this clear first. KATE BECKINSALE ROCKS IN THAT LEATHER!!! Now that is said and done, let’s get one with the review, ahem…
Firs time director Len Wiseman did a good job with this movie aside from the fact that he actually got “infatuated” with Kate Beckinsale who then left her husband, Michael Sheen. We’re not here to discuss “family” affairs though so here we go.
I really dig Underworld’s fresh take on the vampires and werewolves tale, especially when it is nicely executed with style. The setting of the movie which is shot in Hungary looks great although I feel it is somehow too quiet (where are the humans amid the entire ruckus?). The action could have better but it is nicely choreographed although the movie suffers from uneven pacing with the middle part being bogged down by too much plot and not enough action. When the action kicks in, it was quite satisfying though with the opening of the movie at the subway being one of the highlights.
The story is actually quite decent with enough twists and turns to put some substance thus saving this movie from being another brainless action flick albeit one with vampires and werewolves.
The cast range from average to good. As I said earlier, Kate Beckinsale looks great in that tight leather suit and she carried herself well. Scott Speedman as Michael Corvin does not display anything much, I feel that he somehow lacks a certain depth that his character needs; not to mention the horrible chemistry between him and Selene.
Michael Sheen stars as Lucian, the leader of the Lycans, doesn’t look as scary or even as powerful as I expected but he did get the job done. Kevin Grevioux as Raze, Lucian’s deputy, managed to convey that image with his gruff voice and huge build.
Bill Nighy as Viktor (one of the vampires’ Elder) and Shane Brolly as Kraven (Viktor’s lieutenant) actually doesn’t look as imposing as their roles demand them to be. Sophia Myles as Erika is quite underused in my opinion; I would love to see more of her in the future.
Underworld is a solid effort from writer/director Len Wiseman and first-time screenwriters Kevin Grevioux and Danny McBride. It has excellent special effects considering the $22 million budget (which is quite low) available to the filmmakers. Hopefully they would be able to integrate the action and storyline better in future sequels as Underworld has potential for the making of a great trilogy.
Memorable quote: “I am a Death Dealer, sworn to destroy those known as the Lycans.”
-Kate Beckinsale as Selene-
(c) Martin Taidy 2003