Review of Underworld: Awakening (2012) by Ulonda H — 31 Jan 2013

Vampire fans, we know many of you cannot wait until the next Twilight movie comes out. Luckily, Underworld has another installment called Underworld: Awakening. Recycling many elements from the first three films yet adding new material in addition, this franchise proves to be another one we may never see the end of.

The fourth film in the Underworld series finds Selene (Kate Beckinsale still holding the lead role strongly) showing humans who is the boss when they discover the existence of the Lycan clan and war breaks out in no time flat. Salvaging the battle between mortals vs. immortals seems like an easy task for her, but other baggage emerges regarding her long lost daughter and everything she gave up when turning to the dark side.

Though not much different than most would expect, this installment proves to be another one with some elements worth waiting for (a few decent action scenes, appropriate filming locations and a quick pace). But like most other films of the genre, it clearly is aimed at devout franchise fans more forgiving than most.

Feminists may appreciate another film with the lead character being a female (especially in an action movie), but would they approve of them going on killing sprees with innocent civilians (or perhaps not so innocent)? This one should please most fans, though it also seems to come off as strictly a continuation of the story, which some may be tired of following nearly a decade after the beginning of the series. This one, however is the first to be released theatrically in 3D and IMAX. Coincidentally, it also shares a release date with Underworld: Evolution. Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy decided not to reprise their roles in this one, which may indicate something in addition to the film not being screened by critics in advance.