"Underworld" is a series fraught with negativity from the critics. And who's to blame them? This is probably a perfect example of what pure, sexist action films are - babes in skimpy jumpsuits and all. But after watching "Underworld: Awakening", we beg to differ. The fourth try is the best yet from the series and this is a film that actually brings more depth and understanding to the whole mythology. Yes, the old tricks are still there but it also dares to do more than what people expect from it.
It has been 15 years since Michael and Selene (Kate Beckinsale) vanquished the elder vampire, Marcus. In between that time, humans have discovered the existence of both Vampires and Lycans and decided to eliminate all of them in a huge "purge". Selene, captured during her escape, awakens in a laboratory by the company, Antigen. She soon discovers that another 12 years have passed since her botched escape and now tries to find where her lover Michael is whom she thinks aided in her escape from Anitgen.
We won't deny that "Underworld: Awakening" feels a little too similar to its predecessors. There are still guns-a-blazing, no-holds-barred action that will make men scream for more while women cringe in their seats. The film is also way too dark. We remember seeing one or two scenes with some sunshine but everything happens in darkened rooms and hallways or in fact, during nighttime. And as for the acting department, well it was amateurish at best. But who cares? This is what anyone should expect from an "Underworld" film. If you can't handle it then the movie won't buy you in as usual. But here's the thing, "Underworld: Awakening" has more to offer than any other film in the series. With a meaty, detailed and deep story (with a lot of surprises mixed in), the story propels the movie and in fact the series to new heights. This is a story that not only makes this fourth film way better than the previous efforts but it also complements the others. The "Underworld" mythology is actually a nuance one and this is the film that ties everything together. On the other hand, we still feel that the movie made a huge mistake by pushing for another fifth one as the running time was really fast. This was otherwise the only setback in a well-written movie. This is also the first film to be shot in 3D and we have to say that the first effort was a great one. The visual effects actually improved a lot as compared to "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" but 3D technology was a huge factor in making you jump out of your seat. Put simply, this is the deepest, most visually-appealing and action-packed "Underworld" yet and were slightly amazed.
Rating: 3 reels
Why you should watch it:
- Underworld action with a detailed, deep and constructive story
- the effects were outstanding, the effectiveness of 3D more so
Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the acting suffers a lot
- the movie as a whole was a little too short (obviously they want another sequel)
It has been 15 years since Michael and Selene (Kate Beckinsale) vanquished the elder vampire, Marcus. In between that time, humans have discovered the existence of both Vampires and Lycans and decided to eliminate all of them in a huge "purge". Selene, captured during her escape, awakens in a laboratory by the company, Antigen. She soon discovers that another 12 years have passed since her botched escape and now tries to find where her lover Michael is whom she thinks aided in her escape from Anitgen.
We won't deny that "Underworld: Awakening" feels a little too similar to its predecessors. There are still guns-a-blazing, no-holds-barred action that will make men scream for more while women cringe in their seats. The film is also way too dark. We remember seeing one or two scenes with some sunshine but everything happens in darkened rooms and hallways or in fact, during nighttime. And as for the acting department, well it was amateurish at best. But who cares? This is what anyone should expect from an "Underworld" film. If you can't handle it then the movie won't buy you in as usual. But here's the thing, "Underworld: Awakening" has more to offer than any other film in the series. With a meaty, detailed and deep story (with a lot of surprises mixed in), the story propels the movie and in fact the series to new heights. This is a story that not only makes this fourth film way better than the previous efforts but it also complements the others. The "Underworld" mythology is actually a nuance one and this is the film that ties everything together. On the other hand, we still feel that the movie made a huge mistake by pushing for another fifth one as the running time was really fast. This was otherwise the only setback in a well-written movie. This is also the first film to be shot in 3D and we have to say that the first effort was a great one. The visual effects actually improved a lot as compared to "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" but 3D technology was a huge factor in making you jump out of your seat. Put simply, this is the deepest, most visually-appealing and action-packed "Underworld" yet and were slightly amazed.
Rating: 3 reels
Why you should watch it:
- Underworld action with a detailed, deep and constructive story
- the effects were outstanding, the effectiveness of 3D more so
Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the acting suffers a lot
- the movie as a whole was a little too short (obviously they want another sequel)
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