"Underworld," directed by Len Wiseman and starring Kate Beckinsale, is a new twist on an old tale. The premise revolves around vampires and werewolves, but legendary actor Bela Lugosi will be found rising from his coffin, nor will Michael J. Fox sink his fangs into a can of pop.
In this new visioning, vampires are pitted against werewolves - or "lycans" as they are referred to in the film - in a war that's been raging for centuries.
The lycans are depicted as villainous bottom-feeders, living in the subways and sewers of "Underworld's" unnamed city, while the vampires appear as upper-class blue-bloods (pun intended) residing in huge, curtained mansions.
Moviegoers might think they're in for another film in the same vein as "The Matrix" due to the long black trench coats and automatic weapons, but they are mistaken. "Underworld" has a great story for an action/horror film similar to many comic book inspired movies such as "Spawn" or "Batman." The dark settings, rain-soaked cities, and special effects create an aura of a live action comic book.
Beckinsale ("Serendipity") plays Selene, a vampire "death-dealer" fed up with the way head vampire Kraven, (Shane Brolly) has been ruling. Selene narrates the film, filling the audience in on the war between the vampires and lycans. Her hatred and desire for werewolf blood is fueled by the fact that lycans killed her family.
Michael and Selene clearly have a strong connection as soon as their eyes meet during the opening fight scene of the film. Though the underlying infatuation doesn't develop beyond a kiss, there isn't really a need for it to, as the story is much stronger without it.
Beckinsale, known for her parts in dramatic and romantic comedy films, is an unnervingly convincing "death-dealer" and Scott Speedman ("Felicity") also adds a strong performance as Michael Corvin, a human who has more to do with the raging war than he would like to know.
First time director Wiseman definitely wants Kraven to be a typical character the viewer loves to hate, but Brolly fails to deliver a convincing performance. Brolly's lines often feel forced and unnatural, and he simply doesn't sell the role as the vampire leader. Brolly could use some acting lessons from Michael Sheen, who plays Lucian, the film's preferred villain.
"Underworld" is a great action/fantasy film, even for those who do not normally enjoy comic-book-style films. Wiseman does a stellar job taking classic cinematic characters and redefining their legends and motives without losing the ability to tell an entertaining and gripping story.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
