Review of Underworld: Evolution (2006) by Jc E — 06 Mar 2012

Kate Beckinsale back in the leather catsuit? Yes, please. Look, this flick was not exactly groundbreaking like its predecessor, but it didn't completely ostracize fans of the series by shortchanging its characters.

True, the plot is a little muddled by the appearance of a flying vampire named Marcus (Tony Curran), and suffers from not having Viktor's (Bill Nighy) ominous presence after his untimely but necessary demise.

The cat and mouse game does have some nice action, but the evolution component doesn't take into consideration the strange motivations of Marcus. Why exactly would he want to loose his immortal brother - the original lycan, William, who cannot regain human form - upon the world? If Corvinus (Derek Jacobi) is the original immortal, why is he old? Why don't Michael (Scott Speedman) and Selene (Kate Beckinsale) have any chemistry? And could someone please explain Michael's hybrid powers beyond being a clever plot device? The fact that these questions are asked gives the viewer a little letdown after setting expectations so high.

However, the fact that Beckinsale is back made up for it a little. Plus, there are some more impressive action set pieces and a little backstory on the elders that helps. Speedman is a lackluster co-star, especially when trying to romance Beckinsale.

This film is much more of an action film than its predecessor, which was more Shakespearian in nature. There's still some fun to be had, but it's a little too loose with the story to be enjoyed the way the original was.