Review of Underworld: Awakening (2012) by Julian T — 30 Aug 2014

After an abysmal third chapter, the Underworld franchise tries to pick itself back up. In comparison to its last installment, this looks like 'Citizen Kane'. Plenty of flaws, but it certainly entertains and with its quick run time, there's no reason a fan of the franchise like myself could pass on it.

One of my complaints is also a strength. The intricate and finely tuned mythology of the original films is all but gone, obliterated by insane amounts of non stop and brutally violent action. Tension building is virtually non existent, which is a shame since the original couple of films did it pretty well. Of course, the action is pretty badass and probably the best of the series. Certainly entertaining, but almost mindlessly so. The original couple films were pretty intricate and sophisticated for a series that revolves around vampires fighting werewolves.

The pacing is ridiculously fast. Items that could have helped the film are blown over so fast you don't even get to process them. I don't think there are any stretches more than 3 or 4 minutes that don't involve an explosion, a car chase, a slow-mo blood-splatter/fight scene, or a werewolf transformation scene. It just really fails to get into any engaging territory or stimulate any amount of brain cells whatsoever.

The acting is nothing more than standard. It is certainly nice to see Beckensale back in the skintight black latex. Her Selene appears even more brutal and cold than ever, which was welcome. A nice cast of character actors like Stephen Rea, Charles Dance and Wes Bently round out a respectable list. I seriously miss Michael Sheen as Lucian though. I'm aware he wasn't in 'Underworld: Evolution', but I always thought his character was mishandled and deserved much better.

The direction of the movie has undergone alot of change as well. Gone are the slow panning gothic frameworks, replaced by ultra-fast shot cutting and smooth modern mechanics. Again, it makes for a sleeker ride, but it further removes the unique feel of the original films. The effects are pretty impressive. I can't deny everything looks great, but I miss a bit of the less in your face aspects of the first movies.

The story is standard and unimaginative. In fact, I'd have a hard time even telling you what happened. As I said, this is fairly mindless action and violence. There are a couple of really stupid moments that strip any semblance of credibility from an already shoddy story.

All in all, its impossible for me to watch this and not compare it to its predecessors. While it pales in comparison to the first, I'd put this installment on par with 'Evolution', and far better than 'Rise of the Lycans'. It is truly 'turn off your brain first' entertainment, but it is well shot and very entertaining entertainment. It loses alot of the gothic feel of the other films, but it fits into the grand scheme of the series fairly well.