Review of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) by Alexander C — 07 Dec 2012

''Without the loyalty between us, we are no better than the beasts at our door.''An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the race of aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans.Michael Sheen: LucianThe third outing for Underworld takes a number of new paths. One in the guise of its prominent new Director Patrick Tatopoulos, and another in the shape of it's prequel story. Yes, there is no Kate Beckinsale on display but another personified beauty in the role of sassy femme fatale, this being Rhona Mitra playing Sonja. Old characters are fleshed out and given their murky pasts emphasis and show, old favourites like Lucian and Viktor all return to their magnificent parts.

The main strengths of Rise of the Lycans is in it's fantasy, it's amazing costumes, vibrant battles and gore, and dark tones. However this is an entertainment strain of story, a benevolent product of fun. The cast and crew know it and don't try to make it something it's not, this is a part of a franchise and growing mythical world.It must be said the romance feels abit forced and the battles feel too fast to be appreciated at times. Opting for blurry, heightened, rushing of sorts without being able to appreciate the glorious moments on offer. The violence seems to be not as bad as intended in the sense you're used to it by now if you're an Underworld enthusiast or fan.

Sadly,for me I miss the guns and modern feel the other films had, especially the original one.''Sonja, if I were to leave, would you come with me?''It must be said, that Bill Nighys Viktor is too good to be without, hence why he's stuck around for two films after his demise in the first. In this he shows a villain, whom is cold and merciless yet in moments compassionate and full of dread and regret for his ominous decisions. Like any Royal family of any kind, he has principles and wants to uphold traditions of old, and Bill Nighy gets these factors across magnificently.

Michael Sheen as Lucian also shines in his role, as Lucian, thus taking up his mantle of one of the first roles I ever saw him play. He has a passion, and fierceness to him that is resonant in all parts I've seen him play, whether it's Tony Blair, shady business men or monks, he always makes the part his own with his beneficial talents.

Rhona Mitra as Sonja, Viktors Daughter, effectively sinks her teeth into her role, making it similar to Beckinsale. Even her signature moves are a pastly echo of Selena, which is pleasing.

One sex scene that Sheen & Mitra have felt abit wooden I must admit, even a bit of a giggle with him hanging from a cliff, held by her thighs. If you aren't paying attention, then you might like I wonder what the hell is going on. I was certainly bemused by this.The music, setting and era, are all dark and effective, similar to Legacy of Kain and Soul Reaver video game series perhaps?. Rise of the Lycans is a story anyone familiar with the previous installments will know already,how it will enfold. Yet some parts are enigmatically told in a fresh way, that we didn't know before.

It starts with little Lucian being born and spared by Viktor, and brought up and raised as a slave. The Werewolf people being servants for the Vampire kind. The Werewolf servants being called the race of Lycans, hence the title. The film proceeds to emboss things, facts and issues that were previously discussed on the other stories in the future. It's fun, and thrilling but I did manage to spot a few loop holes as weaknesses, but these aside, Rise of the Lycans is to be enjoyed and taken in for fans and newcomers alike.Overall, this is a feast for the eyeballs. Fans of fantasy, romance, vampires, creatures and detailed costumes and settings will love it. Of course the gore, blood and fighting too also is a peak of excitement for all. So Rise of the Lycans is a valuable delving into Underworld mythology, and without a doubt, I loved it, despite flaws, I indeed Lycaned it...''I have lived by their rules my entire life...I've protected them, envied them, and for what? To be treated like an animal...we are not animals! Is this what you want? We can be slaves... or we can be LYCANS!''.