Underworld (DVD, 2004, Special Edition, Widescreen Edition)

Directed by Len Wiseman, starring Kate Beckinsdale and Scott Speedman and largely filmed in Budapest, "Underworld" hit the big screen in 2003. It's a very stylish `monster' movie, though - a little unusually - humans are neither the heroes nor the victims. (The film doesn't stop for 'lunch').

Beckinsdale plays Selene, our 'heroine' and the 'good' vampire. She's a Death Dealer - a vampire soldier - in a war against werewolves that has lasted for around a thousand years. As time has passed, the weapons used by both races have been updated - there are no stakes or crossbows in sight, while the traditional silver bullet has been modified. The current battles are being waged with throwing stars, guns and grenades - all enhanced to target the specific weaknesses of the intended victim. However, tradition hasn't been entirely sacrificed - vampires are still stylish and pale, while the vampire clan still lives in an old-fashioned, classy mansion. (Like the weapons, however, it does incorporate some 'modern' aspects). Selene very much looks to Viktor for guidance - Viktor is one of the vampires' three elders and something of a father figure to Selene. However, as the film opens, he is in hibernation and the day-to-day running of the vampires' affairs are in Kraven's hands. Kraven, somewhat power-hungry, also has designs on Selene - however, she ins't even remotely interested - she regularly disobeys his instructions and doesn't believe a great deal of what he has to say.

Werewolves have officially been on the defensive for around 600 years, since Kraven killed their greatest leader, Lucien. However, they have never been fully defeated and, from early in the film, it seems the vampires have been lulled into a false sense of security. As well as the updated weapons, werewolves - or lycans, as they're known throughout the film - can now transform at will and no longer have to wait on the full moon. They appear to be in full control of their actions and can also heal more quickly while in wolf form. Where the vampires are pale and stylish, the werewolves are more animal-like and live underground. However, this hasn't stopped them performing 'medical research', with a particular interest in a family called Corvin. As the film opens, a couple of werewolves are stalking Speedman's character, a doctor called Michael Corvin. Selene, who's been on patrol and sees what's happening, is puzzled by this - it's clear the werewolves aren't just hunting for food. Her interest develops much further as the film progresses to the point of romance. This brings her a great deal of trouble when it becomes apparent the werewolves have 'turned' Michael. (It's also brought the comparisons with 'Romeo and Juliet' - a romance between two warring houses). As a result of the romance, she learns a great deal more about the origins of war and the night she was sired by Viktor.

This is a very enjoyable and stylish film, with some very impressive special effects. Although technically, I suppose, it's a 'supernatural' movie, there's a strong thriller element to it, with plenty of gunfights, political intruige, treachery, twists and turns...and if that's not enough, it's also got Kate Beckinsdale !! Absolutely recommended for those who love vampire movies. However, despite the comparisons with 'Romeo and Juliet', I can't really see it convincing your Shakespeare-loving aunt to start watching the Hammer films.

Underworld is a great movie from numerous perspectives. It has a good plot even though its rehashing monsters seen in previous films. Underworld creates its own history for these creatures and its own turmoil betweent them. Fortunately in Under world a much better job is done of pitting monster against monster than in films like Alien Vs Predator where there's no dialog or character development. In Underworld you get to know the characters and over the course of the film the truth behind why the war rages on is revealed and the darkest of secrets are uncovered. This is also a great romance or date movie as far as I'm concerned. The two main characters Selene and Michael played respectively by Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman are tragic lovers driven apart by a secret war that has been raging for centuries. Though their love is forbidden fruit they quickly discover that they are each other's last hope in a crazy world of violence and death. No matter how dark it becomes love triumphs in the end.

Underworld is a great twist on Vampire and Werewolf movies.

In this movie you have Vampires and Werewolves fighting each other in a death war. The werewolves are portrayed as superhuman, super sized creatures that can climb on walls and move fast. The Vampires are shown as sophisticated aristocratic people that live in a group together.

The vampires use "Death Dealer's", or highly trained hunters to carry the fight to the werewolves. Selene is one of the leaders of these Death Dealers. During a hunt on werewolves she discovers that a long thought dead werewolf, Lucian, is still alive. He is interested in a human named Michael.

The movie then delves into the reasons why Lucian is hunting Michael, and the twisted history of both the vampires and werewolves.

This dark adaptation is a nice twist on the classic vampire/werewolf movies.

Awesome.

5/5
Latsyrhc
Tamarack Collectibles

You thought you loved Vampire and Werewolf movies, did you ? .......Well, you haven't seen anything like this before. Not just your classic, "Run Of The Mill" epic. Great storyline with a modern day twist! Full of action-packed adventure, thrills, and stunts for everyone to enjoy (Just remember to let youngsters age till teens before viewing tho) A must see for all Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Michael Sheen, and Bill Nighy fans.

The movie, as most of you probably know, is about a war that has been going on between werewolves and vampires. And it is THIS that is the primary focus of the plot (as opposed to the vampires and werewolves themselves). The werewolves have been researching their bloodlines and discovered a human who shares a common ancestor with both the werewolves and the vampires. The werewolves seek out this human, and this is noted by Selene (Kate Beckinsale), who decides to make it her mission to discover the importance of this particular human. The movie was in itself pretty incredible. The plot was exceptional, which is not necessarily always the case with most action movies, and the action kept me entertained throughout the movie's entirety. The make-up and costumes were also outstanding, as was the acting. I actually saw this movie twice, Then I had to buy it for myself to add to my very own collection. There really is no letdown here. VERY ENTERTAINING!!