Underworld Awakening (3D) brings a stunning new dimension to the epic battle between Vampires and Lycans, as the first film in the franchise to shoot in 3D. Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.
It’s no real secret that I’m a huge fan of the Underworld Series even though I boycotted the third one because of the complete lack of Kate Beckinsale, I still ended up buying it on Blu-ray but I’ve never had the heart to watch it maybe one day I will but for now I’m quite content with just watching the first two. This time around in UNDERWORLD AWAKENING Kate is back and more badass then ever! For fans of the previous films you will LOVE the fourth installment but for this little fan boy it just lacks a few things that make it an ‘Underworld’ film.
Don’t get me wrong I still really enjoyed the fourth film, it has more action then all the other films combined, Kate is as impressive as ever as Selene and the introduction of a few new characters was a nice addition. India Eisley plays Eve, the Hybrid Child throughout the film she’s very innocent and shy but as soon as she needs it she turns blue and looks more scary then most of the lycans but really kudos for her for really getting into that character. David played by Theo James one of the vampires who helps Selene and Eve on their journey he delivers on what’s needed and Kris Holden-Ried as Quint the Uber Lycan! Who is just so huge it’s really difficult to comprehend plays the bad guy pretty damn well.
Two things let this film down for me, first one is the CGI version of Scott Speedman who plays Michael the partner of Selene (can we call him partner? or ‘love interest’?) I have no idea if it was money or scheduling but who ever thought it would be a good idea to CGI Speedman really has no clue it looks ridiculous and to be honest with you I would have preferred a silhouette of him instead! Let’s hope Speedman is back for real as Michael in the fifth film. Secondly I know the whole Underworld has taken a bit of a shift to just bulk loads of action sequences in the fourth but I still would have liked a bit more ‘story’ it just seemed that the first two had a lot more to it? I just expected so much more.
For fans of the Underworld films you will not be disappointed but I’m not sure if someone who hasn’t seen the first films coming in wouldn’t enjoy it as much as I did.
UNDERWORLD AWAKENING is in cinemas now, I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
Just as a final note, I got to see the film along with a whole bunch of accessreel.com readers at a preview screening we presented – It was a great night and every single person after the film that talked to me absolutely loved the film, maybe I’m slightly critical? Well yes I prolly am but evenstill just wanted to add that. Was a great night!
