Review of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) by Kimmo J — 05 Dec 2010

''The prequel story traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian (Michael Sheen) emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor (Bill Nighy), the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja (Rhona Mitra), in his battle against the Vampire army and his struggle for Lycan freedom.''.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is another foolishly disregarded gem that is all the makings of the fantastic. As a prequel and a changing in cast, it seems to have upset its fans. Or perhaps this is due to the retelling of a story quickly mentioned in previous Underworld stories. Point taken, now here is mine. . .

Director Patrick Tatopoulos brings forth skill, talent and the know-how in creating worlds and epic stories. The film opens to a narration, a Lord of the Rings-esk voice quickly setting up the back-story of the myth; flying above castle walls down to the army of lycans storming full speed ahead; tilted angles; a warrior standing on a hill to address the masses; march of the elders before the final draw; a lycan's gruesome tearing of vampire flesh; concise cuts of sword play, arrows and physical combat; and a burning Viktor, threatened by the light of day, slowly and vengefully fades into the recesses of darkness --- all of which builds underlying tension.

The score sometimes ethereal; gothic/industrial; ominous; howling instruments; deep chorus moaning; the pounding of adrenalin-injected impending doom; slow building up and the impeccable and perfectly executed full stop... my goodness, I MUST find out how they create these sounds!

A cast of characters consisting of Viktor (Bill Nighy), with his cold indifference, fierce malevolence, a sly snake-in-the-ground, moving in for the kill; Lucian (Michael Sheen) and the moments where you could see in his eyes the knowledge of his shackles, his place with the vampires, how destitute his situation is, the inevitability of further torment and eventually the absolutely gut wrenching anguish of his screams; Sonja (Rhona Mitra), with her subtle curve of the eyebrows to suggest secrecy, restrained shaking, artificial strength in the position of danger, defiant eyes, false innocence and looks of suppressed horror and when being sentenced to death; and all the rest - a cast jam-packed full of professional actors leagues ahead of your *ahem* average lot.

This is not just some vampire vs. werewolf movie for the kiddies; it is an epic battle between the oppressed and their masters; an amalgam of fighting for the right to basic freedoms -- to love and live freely; a totalitarian reign bent on ruling over the lives of others; an emotional and intense fight; and the downfall of that evil regime delivered on a grand, epic scale.

By bar the best of the three, and very recommended. 8.2/10.