TITLE: Underworld Awakening
DIRECTORS: Mans Marlind, Bjorn Stein
STARS: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, India
SCREEN WRITER(S): Len Wiseman, John Hlavin
RATING: R
GENRE: Action, Horror
BUDGET: $70,000,000
Way back in 2003 I saw a film that forever changed my opinions on the werewolves and vampires genres. I was captivated by a hot female death dealer in a skin tight leather suit kicking all kinds of ass on the big screen all the while being consumed by a fun and action packed story. It is because of this movie that a race named Lycans caused me to become obsessed with Lycanthropy to this day. Underworld was a franchise that along with other films like ‘Blade’ made the Vampire genre hip and caused Goths to flourish even more in schools. Then came 2007 and a little series of books that I dare not mention started plaguing the vampire and werewolf public image and there was nothing the fans could do to stop. Brutality was replaced by whininess and sappiness and fangs were pushed aside by sparkling skin, big hair, and muscular jailbait for middle aged women. As a result over time, the coolness of these genres were slowly dying and now with 2012 here, I can finally say werewolves and vampires don’t have to be pussies anymore.
Like a pale skinned, blue eyed savior in the night, Kate Beckinsale reprises her role of Selene and is back with a vengeance. Being disappointed by the third film in this series, I was nervous when I learned a fourth film was being released but I am going to say right here and now that this film does not disappoint and is indeed worthy of the Underworld name.
Once again Len Wiseman remains faithful to the franchise and returns with seven other writers to create the screenplay for the franchises’ fourth installment and while the overall result is fun and action packed, it goes without saying that this story does have some blatant plot problems. I won’t go into the details of them though as it would only lead to spoilers.
We learn at the beginning humanity has discovered the existence of both the vampires and lycans and declared an all out war on the two races. Both races are driven almost to the point of extinction resulting in Selene being captured as she tries to escape with her main love interest Michael Corvin. She awakes years later out of a cryosleep chamber completely unaware of her surroundings and unsure what was being done to her. Making an action packed escape through the research facility controlled by Dr. Jacob Lane played by Stephen Rea, (V for Vendetta) in an attempt to find Michael; Selene meets a new character named Eve played by India Eisley, (Secret Life of an American Teenager). I won’t go into details as Eve’s relationship with Selene but all I have to say is she is a welcome newcomer to the Underworld mythology and steals the show multiple times throughout the film. From there, the two try to make sense of the world around them, meet new likable allies, and struggle to survive as they continue to search for Selene’s lost lover.
Pacing in 'Awakening' never lets up keeping the audience on edge from start to finish. Dialog while, can sound cheesy at times is for the most part well written and true to the style of the previous films. The chemistry between Selene and Eve is perfect given the circumstances thrown at them. It’s heartfelt and a growing bond can definitely be sensed between the two while supporting side characters bring their own charms to the screen.
Directed by Mans Marlind, (Shelter) and Bjorn Stein, (Shelter), these two show that they work well together as the cinematography stays true and dark to the style of the previous films with dynamic shots everywhere. Stunt choreography is jaw dropping and always remains to feel fresh even after three films. Costume designs remain gothic yet modern and should be noted that even after all this time Beckinsale still looks great in her tight leather suit. The creature designs for the lycans at times look obviously more computer generated with practical effects taking more of a back seat as compared to the original film but they still look pretty good for the most part. The CGI does a great job at creating the multiple transformation scenes making the mythology all the more believable.
If you like speakers constantly rumbling to base then this is the movie for you. The sound effects along with the music score add loads of atmosphere to Selene’s world. This is also a film that should only be seen in 3D. The 3D never relies on cheap gag tricks and only adds to the overall thrill to the film. This series was made for 3D and I can only hope that the other films eventually get converted to it on Blu Ray.
So overall Underworld: Awakening is a non stop thrill ride that doesn’t disappoint old fans and hopefully will attract new ones. With vampires and werewolves slowly becoming lame ducks, this provides the shot of adrenaline the genres so desperately need. Yes the story has plot holes but they are easy to forgive due to the nature of these films. The 3D adds a new level of fun and with that I say welcome back Underworld. It’s so good to see you again.
Rating 4 out of 5
Ryan Pierce
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