www.movies.yahoo.com
Madison Mathews
Movie Columnist
February 17, 2006
|
|
|
Kate Bekinsale and Scott Speedman
star in “Underworld: Evolution.” www.movies.yahoo.com |
Kate Beckinsale returns to the world of werewolves, vampires, comic-book gunplay and skin-tight black leather in this bloody good sequel that doesn’t suffer from “sequelitis.”
“Underworld: Evolution” picks up right where the 2003 surprise hit “Underworld” left off. Everyone from the first one is back and even better in a film that shouldn’t work, but surprisingly does.
“Evolution” is set against the backdrop of the first film: the age-old war between vampires and Lycans, or werewolves. Now, after the betrayal of both clans, Selene (Beckinsale) and the vampire/Lycan half-breed, Michael (Scott Speedman) are on the run. This time around, the two are led on a journey that unlocks more mysteries surrounding the origins of the two species. Fans of this movie genre will dig the heck out of it.
The main baddie in this film is Marcus, the last of the vampire elders. He has evolved into a more powerful force than anyone thought. Marcus’ evolved form is a sight to behold, while the gratuitous bloodletting he causes is enough to make any gore-hound giddy as a schoolgirl.
“Underworld: Evolution” is an amazing feat for filmmakers Len Wiseman and Danny McBride. They’ve fixed most of the problems that plagued the first film. No longer do we have to sit through random gun battles that broke out for no reason whatsoever; instead, the filmmakers have put more thought into why the characters fight.
It’s nice to see a film use minimal computer-generated imagery and decide to take the old-school route of traditional make-up and costumes. With this approach, the gore, and the fine ensemble of British actors, I couldn’t help but think back to the Hammer House flicks of the 1960’s and 70’s. I wouldn’t be surprised if Wiseman and McBride weren’t heavily influenced by the studio’s approach to horror.
With all this said, I do have a few nit-picks. The film does seem to drag a bit. Some of the dialogue-heavy scenes could’ve been shaven off for the story to be clearer in places. Also, there’s a fairly unnecessary sex scene in the first act. It feels like the filmmakers just wanted to up the raciness factor. All it did was disrupt the overall flow.
In the end things get wrapped up nicely with a 20-minute finale that will knock your socks off. “Underworld: Evolution” is a worthy successor to the first film and even leaves the door open for a possible third piece to this epic. If you’re in the mood for a great roller-coaster ride of a film, then check your brain at the door, pay the seven bucks for the ticket and enjoy.
3 and a 1/2 stars out of five