I watched this movie because Scott Speedman and Kate Beckinsale are two of my favourite actors at the moment, but not even they could save this noisy, leaden and absolutely derivative horror film. Full of atrocious over-acting, and heaped with nonsensical violence, Underworld is one of those films that most viewers will rapidly lose interest in as it soon becomes obvious that the story is merely a vehicle for a bunch of badly choreographed action scenes that seem to go on forever. And while it has a lovely chic and sleek look that is, at first, mildly diverting, the film soon degenerates into monotony and repetition and becomes quite dull.



The vampires and werewolves (Lycans) have been at war for centuries. Selene (fantastic looking Kate Beckinsale) is a vampire warrior who has helped hunt fierce and brutal Lycan packs to the verge of extinction. The Lycans haunt the sewers and subway stations, laying low until then can strike a lethal blow to the vampire clans. Both clans are after a young medical internist Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman). Apparently, Michael has a certain type of "positive" blood that will allow for the two races to genetically mix creating some sort of hybrid super race. Selene however, immediately becomes drawn to Michael, first as a pawn, then a potential lover when he saves her life.



Selene knows that something is wrong and soon realizes that the Lycans led by the aristocratic Lucian (Michael Sheen), believe that Michael will give them an advantage in the war. Selene's precious clan leader, Kraven (Shane Brolly), is strangely uncurious about her investigation; she soon becomes suspicious, believing that Kraven is becoming an enemy. She eventually uncovers a web of treachery and lies. The only way she can stop the demise of the vampire race, and prevent the hunt for Michael is to awaken the hibernating vampire chief a hundred years early. But the meeting of the vampire clans is coming to town, and the Lycans are out for "blood."



A ham-fisted musical score that borrows elements from heavy metal and modern classical is pored over an intensely visual, postindustrial wasteland. Bathed in fog and hues of blue and grey, much of the movie takes place in shadowy dark corridors and rundown warehouses. Rain is a constant, and the gloomy streets are solitary and bullet ridden. Yes - it looks great, but at times the film looks as though it has just been art directed to death. Kate however, looks stunning as she struts her way through the film, complete with black trench coat, and form-fitting PVC black jumpsuits. Her stylized lanky hair and her pale skin make her an ideal choice, and she suitably projects a strong, confident, and untouchable eroticism.



Scott Speedman is pretty good as Michael, although he doesn't really do and say much. Most of his scenes involve a lot of gratuitous running, as he tries to escape from the clutches of the Lycans and then the Vampires. He howls and continually gets beaten up and kidnapped, but he does it well. I think the movie could have benefited by having Speedman and Beckinsale spend more screen time together. They do develop a nice rapport and they look great together, but save for the times they're swerving from ammunition, there's not really much else for them to do.



The story is far too convoluted. Director Len Wiseman crams genetics, complex bloodline histories, and supernatural social customs into a heap of explanation two-thirds into the film, consequently the narrative becomes cluttered and much of the tension ensued in the first half is lost. The film also isn't that scary; vampire stories are supposed to revel in the mystique and build the anxiety gradually. But there's nothing gradual or subtle about Underworld, which from the outset, celebrates the overwrought and the obvious. Mike Leonard March 05.