Underworld-Hot Unprotected Vampire-Werewolf Threesome!
Okay, not really. Sorry, but there isn’t a three way vampire-werewolf sex scene. Sorry, but with that said, Underworld is one of the most original and stylish horror films since Blade. If you’re a horror fan you’ll dig this one. It is stylish and hip, as a considerable amount of thought went into everything from costumes and art design, to weapons, to the cinematography as well as some nice crane and dolly work. The story itself is not quite as breakthrough or original as Blade, as it, in brief, focuses on Selene, played by Kate Beckinsale, who is a Death Dealer. Now, Death Dealers, besides not having a very imaginative name, are vampires that spend their time killing Lycans, which are basically werewolves. We learn that vampires were created hundreds of years ago as the result of a mutation in a man whose village was wiped out by disease. That is a fairly novel twist, I suppose. Of course, there is also a love interest, and Selene has to decide whether or not to exterminate Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman) who was infected with the virus that makes one, rather unpleasantly, into a werewolf, or Lycan.
Does the script have flaws? Sure. But overall, the decent visuals and slick production values cover for a otherwise weak script. The vampire werewolf love story, star-crossed lovers, covert allegory for interracial dating plot is a wee bit silly, but it’s the kind of script Hollywood loves to crank out so prepare to get your brain programmed a little. I just (and only) find it silly because its been done so much, so often. Still, there is enough in the script that is original to keep it from flying apart with cliches. In all fairness, however, how many horror films even attempt to have original plots? Not many, at least where big Hollywood releases are concerned, so it’s a pretty easy category to excel in.
Len Wiseman, who directed and co-wrote the script, definitely shows more promise as a director than as a writer, as he deserves points for constructing a visually interesting film, with heated battle sequences and visuals. The acting is slightly above average as Beckinsale seems to actually be working, which often isn’t the case with actors in horror films, perhaps the fact that Wiseman is her husband has something do to with that. Who knows? Regardless, some decent acting performances, within the boundaries of the genre, combine with the hip directing style to keep a otherwise boardline silly plot from becoming a “B Movie” that would have received a c- or D+ grade. If only they would of had the guts to include a vampire-werewolf raunchy sex scene, with maybe some of those visual effects from that Robbie video where he is ripping off his skin. That would have given us something to talk about, but alas, can’t usually find that kind of talent in Hollywood, and if you do, its probably being wasted on something degrading and menial.
Story C
Acting B
Visuals A- (Solid efforts on set and costume design and some highly stylized shooting both with guns and cameras make Underworld more than its script dictated.)
Originality/Innovation B
Enjoyability Grade B+
Home Theater/HD Factor B+
Overall Grade B-
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