Audience can sink their teeth into latest Underworld film

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Mark Haskins

MOVIE: Underworld: Awakening

STARRING: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, Theo James, India Eisley and Stephen Rea

DIRECTOR: Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein

RATING: R

EMC Entertainment - Visually and stylistically the Underworld movies have always been ultra cool. Awakening is no exception with some of the slickest vampire vs. werewolf battles to ever hit the big screen. Of course good story telling isn't exactly a high priority, but it does look really cool.

Shortly after the final battle between Selena (Kate Beckinsale) and Michael (Scott Speedman), and the two sons of Alexander Corvinus humans discover the existence of vampires and werewolves. With a common enemy humans band together to eradicate both species in an all-out war called the purge.

During this time Selena and Michael attempt to flee but are captured. Twelve years later Selena is woken up from a frozen stasis, and escapes from the lab that's been holding her prisoner. At first she believes it was Michael who freed her, but it turns out it was another prisoner.

A 12-year-old girl named Eve (India Eisley). Eve is Selena and Michael's daughter, and a vampire/werewolf hybrid like her father.

The world has changed greatly since the purge. Vampires and werewolves are all but extinct. The ones still alive have gone deep into hiding. Despite all this Selena is determined to protect her daughter and find Michael.

Underworld: Awakening is a slick looking gothic action movie.

In terms of visuals and style there aren't many movies that are as cool as this one. The vampire/werewolf fight scenes are outstanding. Every supernatural move and every detail is vividly captured with amazing camera work. There's also a film noir quality to the mood and look. It's in the dark atmosphere, the way the characters dress and talk, and in the desperation of the story. It all makes for a good-looking film.

Story wise, Underworld: Awakening felt really rushed. It's like the film was racing to get to the climactic fight at the end of the movie.

Mind you it's one heck of a vampire vs. werewolf fight. None-the-less a little more time could have been given to developing the story and some of the characters. It would have been a far more interesting film.

Of course most fans don't care if the story is a little weak so long as Kate Beckinsale is wearing the outfit. Beyond looking great in leather Beckinsale has the attitude to pull it off. She moves like a warrior born. Nobody wades through an army of werewolves the way she does.

The rest of the cast is good. The script isn't exactly Shakespeare, but it doesn't stop Stephen Rea, Theo James, and Michael Ealy from giving decent performances. I especially liked India Eisley who plays Eve.

She was kind of creepy, but seeing as she is a vampire/werewolf hybrid a certain amount of creepiness is in order.

I enjoyed Underworld: Awakening.

It's mostly eye candy but it was good eye candy.

Mark Haskins' column is a regular feature of the EMC.