The battle between the Vampires and Lycans (Werewolves) has been raging on for
nearly 1000 years. Protecting the Vampires is Selene (Kate Beckinsale, ("Pearl
Harbor"), a "Death Dealer" who excels at stopping any Lycan threat. When Selene
uncovers a Lycan plot that revolves around a human named Michael (Scott Speedman, ("Dark Blue)", she races to him first, to understand just what the
Lycans would want with a worthless human. In a twist of fate, Michael ends up saving Selene's life, and the two eventually begin to bond, much to the disgust of the Vampire nation. As the Lycan army assembles in anticipation of a final,
secretive assault, Selene and Michael must try to stay alive as opposing forces close in on them.
When first encountering "Underworld" (IMDb listing) anyone with working eyes can see that the
film is entirely derivative of many recent releases. Rainy, gothic locales? "The
Crow" series. Vampire and assorted beast hunting? "Blade." Characters doing some
slo-mo flipping around with guns in each hand? "The Matrix." A shot where a
character is cut by a sharp object, but doesn't realize it until half their face
slides off on to the ground? Recently seen in both "Equilibrium" and "Resident
Evil." "Underworld" is pretty shameless in treading well worn genre ground. But
here's the catch: it does so without ever looking back. This horror/action flick
is blessedly determined to not give in to its clichéd leanings, providing a
rather entertaining and compelling two hours of monster mayhem. It isn't
revolutionary material. I don't think it even wants to be. It takes common genre
elements and works them into a new, interesting mythology. I can handle formula
if it's handled with enthusiasm, and "Underworld" does exactly that.
Written by Danny McBride, "Underworld" has an unusual amount of story to wade
through. Directing freshman Len Wiseman does a fine job balancing the epic
nature of the saga with the more traditional action set-pieces. Wiseman bathes
the film in darkness, which creates a familiar mood of gloom and desire to cover
up the computer effects. But the said effects, which pay tribute to "American
Werewolf In London", look pretty snazzy, and are intermixed with decent practical
effects - which has become, essentially, a dying art form. The press materials
purport a "Romeo and Juliet" level of emotional depth to the piece, but that's
not translated to the screen. Wiseman bumbles the romantic relationship between
Selene and Michael, leaving that section of the story wanting. Wiseman more than
makes up for the lack of emotional connection by keeping his film moving along
swiftly and building a nice tower of a narrative from which to work with in any
possible sequels, the likelihood of which is rather crudely set up in the film's
finale. Hey, Mr. Wiseman, let's make sure people like the first one first, OK?
Though her diminutive size keeps Kate Beckinsale from getting the credit she
deserves as a Lycan hunter in the film's first act, the actress soon warms up to
the part - or should I say the film eventually catches up to Beckinsale's steely
commitment to the role. She's intensely severe and easy to accept as the "Death
Dealer," creating quite an image running around clad in latex, blasting away
Lycans at a moment's notice, never cracking a smile. Trinity, you better watch
your back!
It is actor Shane Brolly who stinks up the joint performance wise. While the
rest of the cast is decent with what they are given, and very enthusiastic about
their roles, Brolly is stiff and ghastly in the crucial role of Vampire leader
Kraven. His ridiculous performance sticks out greatly amongst the careful brood
and darkness of "Underworld." If only Wiseman could've noticed and recast the
part early in the production.
"Underworld's" greatest gift to the genre? No humor. Played out without an ounce
of clowning, "Underworld" succeeds at giving the story the respect it deserves,
and not undercutting the drama by trying to cozy up into the lap of the
audience. In the end, the picture's
straight-faced telling of this potentially harebrained tale is its biggest success.
Filmfodder Grade: B+
