Login
''For six centuries I was a loyal soldier to the vampire clan. But I was betrayed. The war was not as it had seemed. In one night, the lies that had united our kind had been exposed.''
The adventure continues, the saga of war between vampires and werewolves.
Kate Beckinsale: Selene
The original Underworld was not as cool as it clearly thought it resulted as, but it's an entertaining bit of entertainment - and in my view at least, good enough for a sequel. Titled Evolution,, this second installment builds on the original story before it, while still finding the time for enough action to please it's targets criteria. Surprisingly for a boisterous action-horror flick, Len Wiseman's dessert is more restrained than predicted. Although there are plenty of action sequences, the focus is put more firmly on the plot; and this ensures that the film isn't merely a dull collection of stunts. The film begins with a great sequence, which goes back to the beginning of the war between the Lycans and the Vampires. We then follow Selene (Beckinsale) and Michael (Speedman), both now on the run after dispatching vampire elder Viktor (Nighy). We follow the pair as they trace their origins and try to ensure that the first ever vampire, Marcus, isn't able to free his brother William; the first of the werewolves.
Kate Beckinsale gives a outstanding performance as Selene. She is captivating, completely watchable and I just wish she'd do more Underworld/Vampire films! I'll admit that I was pretty gutted to hear in the new underworld her character wouldn't be included, but good news, they are going to make a fourth movie with Kate and Scott in it!
I do think that Kate and Scott really were one of the key elements that made these films really great. Having said that, I have watched the first two, both fun and entertaining! The acting all around is amazing, first-rate stuff. Secondly, the music is just epic, amazingly epic! I will say, as much as I love this movie and do have a strong stomach when it comes to violence but I do think that some of the violence in this movie could of have been toned down a bit in some places, for example: when Marcus stabs Michael through the heart with a piece of broken wood.
''I knew Viktor made a mistake by keeping you as a pet. He should have killed you with the rest of your family.''
One of the major reasons I enjoyed the first film was due to its leather-clad female lead. The sexy Kate Beckinsale reprises her role under the direction of her husband, and is every bit the sassy heroine that a film like this needs. Underworld: Evolution, like the original film, makes best use of this asset! The acting here is more than a little corny overall but on the other hand Beckinsale and the rest of the cast do their jobs well enough to ensure that the film doesn't completely fall down on the acting side. The special effects are good, with the werewolves being particularly of note for being impressive. Werewolves don't often translate to the screen well; but they look just fine in this film! The visuals are dark and Gothic, and look absolutely stunning. As with the first film, the glossy style bodes well with the action scenes and ensures that the film is pleasing to the eye. The best thing about the film for me, however, was the mythology surrounding the war between werewolves and vampires. It's portrayed well, and Wiseman leaves enough gaps to keep the interest, while ensuring that the plot builds to a complete whole by the time the credits role.
On the whole, Evolution is a fun sequel which elaborates on untold truths. It builds on the first films helping, and delivers enough new elements to make it interesting to anyone who liked the original. This is the sort of film that wont be remembered long after it's over, for originality, but it makes for a great time viewing, and comes highly recommended to fans.
''There's never been a hybrid before. However ambivalent you might feel about it, the truth is, your powers could be limitless. You depend on blood.''
7/10
