Review of Underworld: Awakening (2012) by The D — 29 Sep 2013

(2.5/10).

Before I start my review, I have to confess that I've only seen the first "Underworld" movie. I have not seen "Evolution" or "Rise of the Lycans", but after watching this film, it's clear that I didn't have to. The reason I say that is because this film appears to have left story and plot on the cutting room floor and chose not to advance them at all. Instead, they switched out plot and story for generic action. You may have to watch the first film to find out who some major characters are, but the other 2 films aren't required viewing because I haven't seen them and I had no problems.

I wasn't a fan of the first "Underworld" movie, but I don't remember it being as bad as this. I thought the first film made for a stupid, but entertaining watch, but this one is filled with so much vapid action that you just lose interest because the action isn't even particularly exciting. Not only that, but the entire movie is filmed with a murky blue/purple tint and after a while it becomes gratingly monotonous. The fighting and action takes up around 75-80% of the film and most of it is just vampires VS. werewolves. None of it is really filmed with any artistic flair of style, just in the most generic way possible.

Kate Beckinsale is acceptable in the lead role and she does what she's supposed to do well enough, but the supporting cast is downright laughable. Not only are the performances bad already, but the script doesn't do them any favors by having them spit out inane dialogue. The script is equally bad as the direction. The only thing the movie has going for it is a few gory moments that may appeal to some people and a few cool stunts during the action scenes. I would only watch this if stunts and gore appeal to you. Any other movie goer who isn't a fan of the series already should probably stay away.

Hey, at least it isn't as bad as the Resident Evil movies.