Review of Underworld (2003) by Bryce F — 24 Oct 2011

Above the Limits for Underworld.

This action packed movie is a most see. If you are the type of person that is into vampires and werewolves, then this movie is for you. It also has a romantic side to it, but it is not as in depth as the Twilight Saga. This movie was released in 2003, and was not influenced by any historical events. Underworld is about a war that goes back centuries ago between vampires and lycans (werewolves). One of the main characters fighting this war is Selene (Kate Beckinsale); she is a vampire death dealer, which basically means she haunts and kills lycans.

The first action scene takes place in the subway, and even though we are not fully aware of what is going on, this scene puts us on the edge of our seat instantly. Selene saves this human Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman) from the ambush in the subway, when the lycans come and try to take him. Underworld is a third person point of view and it took on more of a dark, suspenseful mood.

Kraven (Shane Brolly), a vampire lord, is in charge while the elder vampires slumber, but little do they know he has teamed up with Lucian (Michael Sheen), the lycan leader that was presumed dead. Selene found out Kravenâ(TM)s plans, and she woke up Viktor who is played by Bill Nighy (one of the elder vampires) a century before his awakening. As the movie went on we find out Lucianâ(TM)s plan for Michael Corvin. He tries to make a hybrid of lycan and vampire. As the movie grows, Lucian and Michael meet for the first time. This was not a pleasant meeting as for Michael gets bitten by Lucian which means he will turn into a lycan.

I like movies that keep that original feel of vampires and werewolves. For example, vampires die from sunlight and werewolves die from silver. I am more of an action person than romance, but I like how the movie blends both of the genres together. The purpose of the movie and its aim is something I can agree with. It was different; it was not about vampires killing other vampires or people haunting vampires. That same old situation gets played out; it does not matter how they try to change it or shape it. The special effects in the movie was real good, especially when bullets are flying and they slow down the action so you can see exactly what is going on. The actors worked very well together, so when a sequel is made they will have great chemistry. I did not see any negatives in this movie; I think it was well written and put together.

Andrew Oâ(TM)Hehir, responded to this movie with negative intent. He really did not like it, but he said that there were good parts of the movie. Oâ(TM) Hehir also said that the characters were overacted by the actors; words were being stressed that did not need to be. I personally do not agree with his opinion of the movie, but some parts of the movie were overacted. All movies are not perfect, so a movie can always be better. Andrew Oâ(TM) Hehir did not like how the movie ended, because it ended making you think they will make another one.

He relates this movie to other movies and talks about the similarities they share. Underworld is a movie he claims comes from other movies; they took other movieâ(TM)s ideas. His tone and mood reflected exactly what he felt about the movie. Andrew said âThe funny thing about all this is that a half-hour into âUnderworldâ? I couldnâ(TM)t wait for it to be over. When it really was over, I couldnâ(TM)t wait for the next installment. Go figure.â? I just want to say to Andrew Oâ(TM) Hehir in my own personal opinionâ¦everybody cannot be a critic. There are way worse vampire movies that do not even follow the guidelines of vampires.

After reading his review my perspective of the movie did not change at all. I thought about his opinion, and I tried to put myself in his shoes to see why he said what he said. I am pretty sure I am good at noticing bad acting; Underworld was not one of those movies with bad acting in it. Oâ(TM) Hehir did not like the fact that Kate Beckinsale was in leather fighting werewolves, but leather is kind of the universal clothing material for action movies (look at The Matrix and even Catwoman). We cannot really expect a lot from vampire movies, because the background of a vampire does not change that much. So the storyline is really the main focus when you are watching movies like this. We also have to remember that this was the first time they got together and did a movie, so the chemistry probably was not there.

Kate Beckinsale has also played in other serious action films like Pearl Harbor, Van Helsing, and The Aviator. She has also played in a comedy movie with Adam Sandler known as Click. Scott Speedman background is not as detailed, but he has taken on a serious role before, when he played in xXx: State of the Union. Shane Brolly played in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Michael Sheen has played in Blood Diamond and The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Their action movie background is significant, and makes this movie a good action movie to check out.

Underworld has action throughout the whole movie. The movie is also installing the storyline and the reason all of this is going on. Patience is needed if you are a person that just wants all action. This extravagant movie is a must see; it kind of gives vampires and werewolves a whole new look. Vampires are not just going around biting humans in this movie; they are fighting to survive and cause the extinction of the lycans. The movie ends with you wanting to see the sequel just to see what happens next.