Production Year: 2006 - Horror - Director: Len Wiseman - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy, Steven Mackintosh, Michael Sheen, Sophia Myles, Danny McBride more
Bloodthirsty vengeance is measured out in buckets, not spoonfuls for this hard-hitting vampire movie sequel. The story picks up right where the first UNDERWORLD left off, in the... more
reasonably satisfying sequel to 2003's surprise hitUnderworld. Looking stunning as ever in her black leather battle gear, Kate Beckinsale is every goth guy's fantasy as...
reasonably satisfying sequel to 2003's surprise hitUnderworld. Looking stunning as ever in her black leather battle gear, Kate Beckinsale is every goth guy's fantasy as...
Underworld Evolution DVD
Bloodthirsty vengeance is measured out in buckets not spoonfuls for this hard-hitting ... more
vampire movie sequel. The story picks up right where the first Underworld left off in the midst of a war between Lycans (werewolves) and vampires with the gorgeous...
Underworld Evolution
For more than six hundred years Selene was a Death Dealer a vampire warrior dedicated to ... more
the destruction of her people's savage enemies: the werewolves. For all of his mortal life Michael was an ordinary human - until he found himself caught in the middle of a shadow war between immortal rivals. Bitten by both a lycan and a vampire he has now become a hybrid creature whose ultimate potential remains unknown. Together Selene and Michael have become outcasts - and targets for a long-buried menace has risen from the depths of history in search of unholy vengeance.
Underworld Evolution
As the feud between vampires and werewolves escalates to new heights, so too does ... more
Underworld Evolution, delivering a veritable feast of bloodthirsty power, forbidden love and sweeping vengeance.The Underworld saga continues as hunted Vampire Selene (Kate Beckinsale) seeks out Marcus (Tony Curran), king of the Vampires, in the hope of bargaining for her life. Hybrid Michael (Scott Speedman) wants to join Selene in her quest but is unable to trust the werewolf raging uncontrolled inside him, and she refuses his companionship. Their love proves more powerful than genetics, however, when Marcus descends upon Selene, intent on annihilating her. In the battle that ensues, Selene discovers that she has been betrayed by her own family and she sets out to seek her revenge.
A review by Leighsa on Underworld: Evolution (DVD) July 18th, 2008
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Indifferent to it
Story
Good
Characters / Performances
Satisfactory
Special Effects
Good
How does it compare to similar films?
Satisfactory
Advantages:
Will feed the fans from the first film . . .
Disadvantages:
Lack of depth, underdeveloped characters, a lot of questions unanswered . . .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
The second fantasy/action instalment that follows the first Underworld film.
Cast - Main Characters: ************************* Selene - Kate Beckinsdale Michael - Scott Speedman Marcus - Tony Curran Viktor - Bill Nighy William - Brian Steele
Directed by Les Wiseman.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT? ********************** In essence, the film centres on the battle between vampires and werewolves (known as the Lycans in the film).
Selene, a vampire, has just killed Viktor, one of the elders of the vampire community; this took place at the end of the first film. The vampire community are unaware of the treacherous secret that Viktor withheld, for this is the reason Selene has killed Viktor. Therefore, Selene is on the run from being killed for Viktor's revenge. Accompanying her is, probably best to refer to him as her newfound love - Michael Corvin, a human who has, through the events of the first film, become a hybrid creature - a cross between a vampire and a werewolf. Selene believes that she would be excused from killing Viktor if she were able to find one of the other elders - Marcus, to explain her plight and acquire justice for her actions.
There is also a second story running along the film. Marcus is the highest ranked among the elders. In fact, he is the original vampire, and the source to all who followed thereafter. Marcus, himself is also on a quest to find his long lost brother, William - a first generation Lycan and also the original. As the story unfolds, the audience discovers that Marcus and William are actually twin brothers. However, William, with his natural destructive and uncontrollable behaviour, has been locked away in a purpose-built hidden prison by Viktor. The clues of the location of this prison are buried in Selene's childhood memory and the key, unknown to Michael, is hanging from his necklace heirloom. Unknown to Selene and Michael, Markus gets to them before they can find him.
MY THOUGHTS... ***************** It is always best to have seen the first film to be able to fully appreciate the second one. However, if you do not want to waste precious time, then there is really no need to do any preparation in order to appreciate this. Unfortunately, I feel the film lacks a lot of substance and depth. There is a plot, oh yes, there is definitely a sense of purpose - but a lot of why's seem to come thereafter...
The intentions of Selene's quest to find Markus are understandable; it is a natural progression from what has happened from the first film. However, the second new storyline that emerges leaves many questions. Markus has spent all these years with Viktor, with Selene by his side - why does he suddenly have this raging desire to free his brother now? After all these years, for no apparent reason, he has altered his natural genetic state, wants to breed a generation of new vampires and conquer the world...?
We find out that Markus has beome or was a hybrid creature, though we do not know how, why and of what.
A few new characters appear, such as Alexander Cornivus. He is the father of Markus and William, though we do not know why he appears so normal. He appears very 'human' in the film. Alexander is apparently 'the father' and a 'hope' for all of humankind. So why does he have twin sons that are genetically different to humans...? Towards, the end he also gives his blood to Selene - again, we are left wondering what she will turn into and why his blood is special.
Another very contradictory issue; at the beginning of the film, it explains the history of Markus, who sought the help of Viktor (who was a king in his human days) and his army to help capture William to stop his terrible destructive behaviour and actions, and now the film focuses on him wanting to free him, as if it had always been his intention.
One scene in particular really annoyed me. A visually and sexually explicit scene showing Selene and Michael having intercourse for about five minutes. The relationship between Selene and Michael was already established in the previous film. On screen, both characters keep their emotions very controlled and any emotion that is shown as an indication for their affections for one another are very subtle and instinctive. Even without seeing the previous film, their romantic relationship is not really expressed because of the situation they're in - they're being hunted down and their focus is to find Markus. In the previous scene, having escaped from the wrath of Markus, they manage to find a deserted hut. What follows in this scene is one that is entirely out of context. I think this was also the only scene that used a warm filter in front of lens. The film being entirely in greys and blues to project the dark world - this scene, with all its warm yellows and oranges, its vulgar and unnecessary close ups, was entirely inappropriate and unrealistic for the film. I hope Kate Beckinsdale was paid well for this... After this scene, both remain as stone faced as before, as if it never happened - back on the road to escape from Markus...
The acting is ok, though the script doesn't really allow for any character development. Selene's character is so rigid that it doesn't do Beckinsdale any favours, especially after so many previous flops.
There appears to be a lot of intentional one-liners, perhaps to create some kind of dramatic tension, instead it feels too melodramatic. What you see is what you get, everyone and everything being two-dimensional. The film does stir up curiosity, but what you see is all you are going to get, there is nothing more to divulge.
CONCLUSION **************** To be fair, this storyline could have been a very good basis for some rich gothic fantasy epic. Sadly, a lot has been left unexplained, necessary details missed out, and such potential depth that has gone undiscovered. It's a shame, because the ideas were all there, but very hastily thrown together to make a film that left me with a lot of questions and doubt.
Probably only worth seeing once. You may be tempted to watch it again thinking you would find the answers to all those questions that came up while you were watching it the first time, but they won't be there as they weren't there at all...
Advantages: Expands on original, good action scenes Disadvantages: Plot can be a little thin
WARNING, CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR 'UNDERWORLD'
Underworld Evolution is the 2006 follow up to the cult hit 'Underworld'. The story played like a horror genre fantasy as Werewolves and Vampires squared up to each other. Combine this with Matrix style fighting and thousands of bullets and you have a winner on your hands.
The original told of the continuing war between the sophisticated and gothic Vampires - including the lead character Selene (Kate Beckinsale), ... ...and guttural. The film showed shifting allegiances and secret pacts and ended with the lead Werewolf and Two of Three Vampire elders dead. Also during the film we were introduced to Michael, a human who is descended from the family which started both the Vampire and Werewolf strains. Selene had fallen in love with him, however throughout the film he was bitten by Werewolf and Vampire turning him into a powerful hybrid.
The sequel opens just a day ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Some nice production design Disadvantages: A sequel nobody wanted or needed
Having killed Viktor, the leader of her vampire coven, Selene and her half-vampire, half-werewolf boyfriend Michael are on the run. They are in trouble because accidental cross-breed Marcus is on their trail. Unbeknownst to her, Selene is the key to a centuries old mystery relating to the origins of the two species. And only she can stop Marcus from unleashing something even more dangerous on the world.
Though the finale to "Underworld" was open-ended ... ...Len Wiseman has pushed ahead and created one anyway. There's no onus on the viewer to have seen the original, as Wiseman helpfully provides a potted history and flashback montage. His mantra for this one appears to be bigger, faster, more! I suppose it's a side-effect of having a larger budget and (for much of the film) a smaller cast. So there are bigger, longer, more explicit fights, a higher gore quotient and smoother morphs from human to beast. ...
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Advantages: good follow-on, some great effects...good film ! Disadvantages: none really
as promised...UNDERWORLD EVOLUTION
Running time: approx: 1 hour 42mins
Cert: 18
The film takes us back to the tale of Seline and just a few days have passed since the end of the first film (Underworld) So Selene and a slightly bewildered Micheal (the now Were-wolf Vampire hybrid) are on the run after the murder of Victor one of the Vampire clan's Elders, as Marcus, the last of the Vampire Elders has awoken early, he is stronger than ever before ... ...seeking revenge....
Marcus, the first Vampire, also needs to find Selene for other more pressing personal reasons. Selene is the only one who knows the location where the first Were-wolf is imprisoned...
Tried not to completely ruin the plot for you !
Well the sequel definitely has more blood and gore than the original and a couple of 'scenes of a sexual nature' There's plenty of action with guns, knives and just plain fantastic 'Brute force' ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Errr, theres some vampires Disadvantages: Its crap!
Another saturday night spent with a DVD and wine. There was nothing good left in the video shop, so after half an hours deliberating between this and the 'Dukes of Hazzard', I decide to impress the hubby with this one. As I left the shop I was already regretting the decision, Johnny Knoxville was much more appealing.........damn it! I hated the first 'Underworld' so why had I got this one? Dunno but with a heavy heart I resigned myself to an evening ... ...around.....Sigh, but its vampires, theres bound to be some long haired gothic prince of darkness for me to watch. Feeling a little more hopeful I send hubby to the kitchen to open the wine.
The film starts with flash backs to what happened in the first film, none of which I could actually remember (maybe too much wine on the evening I watched that one). So the first half hour was spent with me asking, Who's that? Whats he doing? etc...
By now I ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: A good, entertaining sequel Disadvantages: Is often shot in dark locations making harder to see
When the first Underworld movie was released in 2003 it was widely slated but it gathered an almost cult like status. Based on the storyline of the first, it was no real surprise that a sequel would be made and this is it. It is an enjoyable watch and although it again was panned by many, it will probably be very popular now that it has been released on DVD. The story is set up for a third and final film and I would not be surprised if director Len ... ...many ways, this is better than the first film as it answers a lot of questions left unanswered in the first film but does still leave many others.
I would recommend this film to anyone who watched the first and enjoyed it, and if you didn't see the original, hire them both out and enjoy an evening of Kate Beckinsale in a tight fitting leather cat-suit.
STORY
Before I continue a bit of background information about the first film is required so ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Both films in one Disadvantages: None as far as i am concerned
...on the edge of your seat. The fight scenes are beautifully executed, it's clear how many hours went into making them as perfect as they could be.
The UnderworldDVD features :
Disk 1 :
Dircetor and writers commentary : The director and writers talk you through the film as you watch it.
Technical Commentary : You are talked through the entire movie with a commentary about the technical side of the movie, i think it is done by the stunt and effects directors.
Disk 2 :
The Making of underworld :Interviews with soem of the cast and crew showing yo uhow parts of the movie was made.
Creature effects : It takes you through how the lychan were created, step by step. It also has interviews wit the creators of the creatures.
Stunts : This takes you through the process in which Kate Beckinsale and othe actors were prepared...
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Advantages: Great atmosphere, Good Soundtrack, Great Tale !! Disadvantages: modern not 'classic' rules of Vampires and Were-wolves...
...UNDERWORLD (2003)
Running time:1 hr 56 min
Cert: 15
I do love the idea of Vampires and Were-wolves, in fact I'm just a sucker for the whole dark Gothic fantasy horror type genre be it film or book form. So of course Underworld and UnderworldEvolution found their way from eBay to my house pretty easily on my last DVD hunt.
Upon arrival I eagerly awaited little boy's bedtime so I could watch my "oh... silly monster films" in relative peace.
Well "AN IMMORTAL BATTLE FOR SUPREMECY" I am promised by the box. Yes, it is that.
Disc 1 : The Film (also features Director and writers commentary
plus Technical commentary)
It's all about Vampires and Werewolves (Lycan) who have been at war fighting it out for centuries, albeit unnoticed by us mere humans. Basically the Vampires are 'winning' for want of a better term...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
...the most. There are five screen shots from the film and in all of them, I wouldn?t like to be the person in them. The actual DVD is black, with a picture of the creepy Jigsaw puppet in the background.
The little booklet that comes with the DVD is much more light-hearted. It contains the chapter names, and advertisements for the films Keeping Mum, UnderworldEvolution, The Libertine, Domino, The Long Weekend, A History of Violence, Lassie, The Wedding Singer, Dumb & Dumber, and even dumberer, an advert for Saw 2!
In interactive menu has a greenish look to it, with various flashes of the film coming by. The options are ?Play film / let the game begin? ?Scene Selection? ?Special Features? and ?Set Up Options?. Here you can choose between stereo sound and Dolby Digital 5.1. You can also put English subtitles on here. Moving on to the Special...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Bloodthirsty vengeance is measured out in buckets, not spoonfuls for this hard-hitting vampire movie sequel. The story picks up right where the first UNDERWORLD left off, in the midst of a war between Lycans (werewolves) and vampires, with the gorgeous death-dealer, Selene (Kate Beckinsale), on the run with her vamp-wolf hybrid lover, Michael (Scott Speedman). The film then leaps back three centuries earlier, revealing the separation of two ultra-bad brothers, one vampire and one Lycan. The Lycan gets locked in a hidden tomb/prison and the feud begins. In the present, the winged vamp brother Marcus (Tony Curran) is determined to find his Lycan sibling and free him, which would wreak unimaginable havoc on the world. Selene's got to stop it, and the result is mayhem. Kate Beckinsale looks great with her jet-black hair, skin-tight leather bodysuit, red lips, and glowing blue eyes. Director Len Wiseman obviously has a great love for this alternate universe; he keeps the action humming, the blood running, and the cast well stocked with seasoned British actors like Sir Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy, and Steven Mackintosh. The sex and violence may still be a bit intense for youngsters, but for the vampire crowd, it's a moveable feast of generous, still-twitching proportions.
Technical information
Special Features: Feature Length Commentary By Director Len Wiseman Editor Nick De Toth Production Designer Patrick Tatopoulos And Stunt Coordinator Brad Martin, Bloodlines From Script To Screen, The Hybrid Theory, Making Monsters Roar, The War Rages On, Building A Saga, Music And Mayhem, Music Video Her Portrait In Black
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, Dolby Digital Stereo Surround
Dubbing Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround English<br>Dolby Digital Stereo Surround English
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