Plot: Selene, a vampire warrior, is entrenched in a conflict between vampires and werewolves, while falling in love with Michael, a human who is sought by werewolves for unknown reasons.
Rating: 7.5/10
A peek at the IMDb scores for Underworld left me certain that I was in for cheese and melodrama and bad performances. Contrary to IMDb, I received intel from trusted persons that Underworld is hated unnecessarily by the “gurus” for whichever murky reason Hollywood powers decide a film should get poor ratings. Kate Beckingsale is front and foremost and brings forth a fantastic strong female character that is in no need of being saved. She does the saving. Seline is strong, powerful, really attractive, brooding and won’t shy away from confrontation. Miraculous qualities for a female protagonist!
Kate Beckingsale is incredibly beautiful. I’d love to hate her on principle, but the fact is this is a really intelligent women takes on such a fierce role with energy is to be admired. Seline is a mix of power and female, and I was cheering all the way. The relationship between Michael and Selinehas impact because it doesn’t overshadow the political or war elements of the film, yet manages to demand attention when the two get a few moments of peace together.
The lycans were terrifying. Underworld isn’t this pretty watered down Twilight-version of vampires and werewolves. The lycans live in dark shadows and haunt the decaying sewers of the city. Their leader, Lucian, has a plan and initially you are led to believe that he’s solely a villain, and as the leader of the Lycans he must be stopped at all cost. One sentence from Seline should immediately alert the watcher that things are not as they appear, because whenever a species is banned from looking into the past, there is bound to be things hidden people in power want swept under the rug.
Bring in Bill Nighy’s Viktor, whose awakening is fearful to behold. He plays the role of the Elder vampire with such pizazz it is obvious that he had the time of his life being a vampire. Shane Brolly as Kraven is the weakest link in the story, his angle of action was really the cheesiest direction of which the other cast members steered well cleared of.
The directing by Wiseman is excellent. The film remains gritty and gory throughout, and the atmosphere is accurately depressing. Underworld is a long one, but I didn’t mind as much as I really enjoyed it. The last few scenes, which obviously serves as the conclusion of the film is gory and blood filled, but to its’ credit I didn’t need to repress the urge to skip some of it.
I had a surprisingly good time watching Underworld, and I’m definitely checking out the rest. They might not all be as good, but I will most certainly explore and provide feedback.
Have you seen Underworld? What is your impression?
Life of this city girl 
I thoroughly enjoy the first Underworld. The second one is also not too bad but they get progressively weaker. Still watched them all just for the fun. The latest one (Blood Wars) is, in my opinion, the weakest of the lot and feels like they have run out of ideas. But, watch them all – they aren’t that bad.
I enjoyed the first three. The subsequent two are rather weak. Still, all in all a lot of fun across the films. Blood Wars really was quite sloppy, I agree with you!
😀
As you said…fun anyway. Have an awesome day
Not seen any of them. Been curious to. And she really is gorgeous. Before then people were saying she couldn’t play sexy.
you really should Alex! It is a fun series. Very messy in places, but fun.
It surprises me that there was so much disbelief in her abilities. She’s a great lead!
You’d be suprised
I was surprised that I enjoyed the UNDERWORLD series so much. I’m looking forward to your thoughts on the rest, too.
It was a really enjoyable experience overall. I’m surprised I liked it too!
They are all coming hopefully soon 😀 Finally saw Blood Wars. The messiest of the lot, but still good.
I probably liked BLOOD WARS the least of the bunch, but it was still decent.
Saw Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 and I loved Stan Lee’s double cameo.
Love this movie and all the sequels!
It is such a fun franchise!
“…trusted persons…” – hope I was one of those!
Anyway, glad to see you enjoyed this so much. You know I have mad love for this franchise, and this is fantastic. And Beckinsale is just ridiculously gorgeous. Her and Michael? LOVE.