Review of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) by Artistew A — 08 Jul 2010

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009).

Written by Danny McBride and Dirk Blackman.

Directed by Patrick Tatopoulos.

Starring: Michael Sheen (Lucian), Bill Nighy (Viktor) and Rhona Mitra (Sonja).

I love the first two "Underworld" movies, but I think this prequel is my favorite. Taking place in the Dark Ages where the Lycans are enslaved by Viktor's coven, Lucian, with the help of his beloved and Viktor's daughter Sonja, leads the uprising that starts the underworld war. Written by the same screenwriter as the first two, "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" remains consistent with the franchise, despite a change in directors. Michael Sheen is a major and underestimate asset to the film because his ridiculous acting skills provide legitimacy to a fringe premise that may alienate some viewers. Instead of being a silly third-movie-in-a-franchise, "Lycans" is a star-crossed lovers' fairy tale with an epic-battle spin. And because we know the history of the war after this back story, we know the stakes Viktor's one rash decision brought upon thousands of supes. My only warning is that underworld virgins may be lost, as McBride and Blackman make many assumptions about the audience's pre-knowledge of vampire/Lycan lore and there are allusions to the "Underworld" films that will go right over some people's heads.

Rating: Night of the Living Dead.

Best Quote: "You are credit to your race. Do you know how to remain so? Keep your eyes on the ground." -Viktor.