Review of Underworld (2003) by Edward C — 06 Nov 2013

Plot/Summary,A young man who has pledged his life to helping others finds himself in a pitched battle between two gangs of supernatural villains in this blend of horror story and action thriller. Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman) is a medical student who is heading home after a long day of school and work when he unexpectedly finds himself in the middle of what appears to be a rumble between two well turned-out street gangs. What Michael doesn't know is he has witnessed a skirmish between two deadly underground communities, unknown to the mortal world, who are battling for supremacy -- the Death Dealers, a tribe of vampires, and the Lycans, a band of werewolves. Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is a leading member of the Death Dealers who hears through the grapevine that the Lycans have plans to capture the aspiring doctor who witnessed their battle. Certain something is in the air, Selene begins following Michael around the city, and she finds herself growing emotionally attached to him. As Selene becomes more attracted to Michael, she becomes more convinced that the Lycans are planning a major attack against the Death Dealers, although vampire kingpin Kraven (Shane Brolly) is certain she's crediting the Lycans with more intelligence than they can muster. As Selene shadows Michael, she finds herself wanting to protect him, but her longing becomes a handicap when he's attacked by Lucian (Michael Sheen), the leader of the werewolf community, and the man she wants to save has now become a sworn enemy. Underworld was the first feature film from music video director Len Wiseman.

My Review.

This is one of the best films in my most favorite genres such as action/adventure,horror and science fiction. Underworld is such a treat to anyone who loves a good vampire and werewolf film. This is my only favorite film about both creatures so far. Underworld revolves around A male nurse,(Scott Speedman) unwittingly becomes involved in an on going battle between the two immortal species. When a female vamp Selene(Kate Beckinsale) notices the werewolves following this individual, she becomes suspicious and begins to investigate why he is so important, even if it changes everything she has ever known about her life and vampire history.

This monster movie follows the age-old traditions established in the early novels (Bram Stoker) and movies (Werewolf Of London) featuring vampires and misanthropes. Of late, there's been some modernized horror franchises that have thrown the standards out the window. Those standards are comforting and we, the audience, expect to see them. Vampires deteriorate in sunlight leading to instant death, Werewolves can only be killed by a silver projectile. Underworld takes these formulas, builds on there strengths and makes them their original own.

While it reads as a horror, it plays more like a gangster/fantasy piece. Both races participate in gun-play with specially modified bullets to instantly kill their opponents. The werewolves are animalistic warriors, wanna-be heavy weight mafia, with more brawn than brains. On the flip side, the vampires are like a communal family with hierarchy, ancient customs and they're legitimate business owners which funds their criminal endeavors.

Due to the aforementioned gun-play, this is more violent than gory. It's still bloody but there are no scenes that'll make you queasy or nauseous. The violence is another reason why it has an action vibe to it. All in all underworld gets a 5 out of 5.