MaximumMadness
Ah, the "Underworld" franchise. Boasting thus-far five installments (with a rumored sixth on the way) released over a near fifteen-year window, the series is a hard one to ignore when it comes to modern action and fantasy. While mostly garnering a decidedly mixed-to- negative critical reception, the fact is, this series is a big hit with its audience thanks to its keen use of action and moody, cool and Gothic visuals. Yes, they may not be high art... but they're a lot of fun. "Underworld: Evolution", the second chapter in the franchise is a very peculiar follow-up, especially when viewed back-to-back with the original. It isn't so much a second film as it is an "expansion"... one could almost say that it's "Underworld 1.5", for lack of a better description. Picking up immediately where the original left over, "Evolution" seems like a feature-length third act. A 90-something minute climax. Much like the recent and very delightful "Mad Max: Fury Road", the film is essentially one big chase scene. We tag along with our Gothic protagonists as they struggle against previously established foes and wrap up all the leftover plot-lines from the last time. It's bigger than the first film. It's flashier than the first. It's more in-your-face. And it's a lot dopier and even borderline stupid at times. But good lord, is this movie fun, fun, FUN!The film opens mere moments after the original, with former "Death Dealer" Selene (Kate Beckinsale) on the run with her beloved Michael (Scott Speedman)- now a Lycan/Vampire Hybrid. The Vampire Lord Markus (Tony Curran) is accidentally awakened, and embarks on a journey to track down Selene and Michael at any cost, seeking a mysterious medallion the two now possess for reasons unknown. And he will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. Eventually the journey will bring our two heroes face to face with new and troubling revelations about the history of the war between the Vampires and Lycans, and they will be forced to wage war against a foe unlike any they have faced ever before...The success of the film really lays at the hands of director Len Wiseman and the highly likable and entertaining cast. Wiseman has grown an awful lot since the first film, and it shows in his increasingly slick and stylish camera-work, which is complimented perfectly by the moody lighting and arresting cinematography of director of photography Simon Duggan. While some have bemoaned his work here, I think Wiseman is actually a very gifted visual artist and his choice in shots and skill with composition lends itself well to the no-holds- barred action and wonderfully oppressive Gothic visuals. The film is just gorgeous to look at. I also really admired Wiseman's choice to not just rely on CG-heavy imagery, and to tactfully mixes both digital and practical effects with expert blending. There's some really great miniature photography on display during a number of key sequences that is perfectly augmented with digital trickery, and the result is just magical.The cast is just lovely and is a big part of what makes the film works. Kate Beckinsale continues to thrill with her now-iconic role of Selene, a butt-kicking vampire assassin with a slight but definite soft- side. She's quite good in the role and makes for a very enjoyable and compelling protagonist. Scott Speedman is thankfully given a bit more to do this time around, which is great after his role in the original- a performance somewhat hampered by the fact he spent a great deal of the runtime in captivity and unsure of what was happening. Speedman has great chemistry with Beckinsale and the two form a great duo to follow. Tony Curran might be somewhat stock, but he makes for an adequately menacing villain in Markus, and you'll definitely love to hate him. I also really enjoyed a small but memorable turn from classically trained theater and film actor Derek Jacobi as the head of a "cleaner" organization that aims to keep the war a secret from humans. And we're also treated to the wonderful-as-always Bill Nighy, whom returns in a very fun flashback sequence set before the events of the original.Unfortunately, where the film loses some points for me is in the script by Danny McBride. The strange thing is, it's technically a well- written film. Characters are well-defined and most major players have at least something of an arc that spans the length of the film. It pays off on characters and concepts established in the original. And it adheres to a really good three-act structure. However, it's just a bit... silly. Even stupid at times. And that's both a strength and a weakness. McBride (whom also co-wrote the treatment with director Wiseman) seems keen to try and fill the story with as much action and as many twists and turns as possible. And it gives the film a great manic energy that makes it a lot of fun to watch. But it also robs a lot of the coherency and can sometimes lead to a lot of unneeded confusion. There's just a bit too much going on with the plot and the narrative and maybe a few minutes too many of fight-scenes and gun-battles, especially given that the film is structured like one big chase. It needed to be just a bit more subdued.But still, I can't complain too much. While it might not be quite as well-structured and thought-out as the original, "Underworld: Evolution" delivers on the promise of that film as an action- extravaganza. It does just enough with the characters to keep you rooting for the protagonists while despising the villains, has a lot of eye-popping sequences of insane-o action courtesy director Wiseman's visual talent and has some really swell performances. Is it a great sequel? Probably not. But is it a fun one? Oh, most definitely!I give "Underworld: Evolution" a solid 7 out of 10.
view_and_review
I recently saw Underworld: Blood Wars in the theater and it inspired me to review the entire franchise. Two days ago I re-watched Underworld (2003) and today I watched Underworld: Evolution.Well shame on me. I skipped right over Underworld: Evolution and didn't even realize or know. With that, I still was able to enjoy the three that followed this one (Rise of the Lycans, Awakening, and the recently released Blood Wars).I didn't quite like Evolution as much as I did Underworld (2003) but it still held its own. This installment was about uncovering Vampire/Lycan history. More information and more secrets were revealed about both species. Again there were many bullets shot (so many rounds of ammo and so many guns) and again Selene (Kate Beckinsale) had to fight some ferocious beasts (both Vampire and Lycan).A sound follow up and link to Underworlds to follow.
skybrick736
Underworld Evolution had so, so much potential and it's really a downer that the film didn't provide the quality of story that the first Underworld possessed. There were way too many characters in the movie and the role of William as a major part and theme of the film without having a focal character is just really petty when it comes to the flow and understanding of the story. The best part of the film, sadly enough, was the sex scene, where Kate Beckinsale was incredible and really animalistic. From that point forward the story seemed to stretch in its believability and the film gradually added plot hole after plot hole until a point where the ridiculousness was off the charts. The vampire and werewolf action and gore was still well done similarly to the first but that is one of the few things Evolution had going for it. The movie is pretty avoidable, maybe just a onetime watch is all its worth.
Terryfan
I did watch the first Underworld many years ago and I didn't care for it at the time but overtime I thought I would give the series another chance. All watching all four films I figure I start reviewing the sequels one film at a time.So now we move onto Underworld:Evolution which I might consider my favorite in the Underworld series and here's why.The plot of the film picks up where the first one left off centering around Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and Michael (Scott Speedman) are on the run while also being hunted by Marcus (Tony Curran). We also get to learn about the history of the two factions. The writers made it work so those new to the series could better understand Also the action scenes in this film were very well balance and original for the film which could make it a stronger film in the series as some had said.The Music in the film sets the tone to match it to each scene. The score brings the emotion out in the characters which you could actually feel for them not all films can say that. The tension in the film you could cut it with a knife and the performances of the cast helps make it feel that way. The film just has a lot to make a enjoyable film and actually a strong sequel So if you're a fan of Vampire and werewolf films you will enjoy this one with tension throughout, good score and a character driven story this film is not one to be missedI give Underworld: Evolution an 8 out of 10
