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 the Lycans (Werewolves) who were stronger, however more brutal 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 or two
after the events of the first film finished. Selene and Michael are on the run as it was Selene who killed one of the elder Vampires in the previous films climax (the murderous Victor). At the same time the final elder, Marcus - the original Vampire, has awakened and is not happy. He takes off after Selene and Michael looking for revenge for their actions. At the same time a mysterious third party is at work, collecting dead bodies from the first film and monitoring the situation from afar.
As the film progresses we learn that Marcus, the first Vampire, is trying to set free William, the first Werewolf, who is his brother and has been held capture for 600 years in a hidden jail. He needs Selene to find this place and so a two hour long chase scenario begins, ending spectacularly with all the major players fighting it out on a remote island.
The film is gorier and more bloody than the original which may have a bearing for some viewers and there seems to be some swearing in it which I didn't remember happening in the first film. There are two nudity scenes; one is a Vampire threesome which was pretty pointless, although nice to watch. However the other is a nice scene between Selene and Michael, which to me hints that a third 'Underworld' film could include a baby Hybrid. The action sequences (of which there are many) are excellent whether it's a fight with guns, knives or bare fists and I like the way that each character seems to have a fighting style that reflects their personality, Selene is beautiful and precise, Michael is all aggression and Marcus is plain nasty.
Kate Beckinsale looks spectacular again in her skin tight PVC suit, definitely a good look if you can pull it off. Scott Speedman comes across well as Michael, a confused young man learning about his new powers, Bill Nighy has a nice flashback cameo as Victor, although my favourite character was Tony Curran as Marcus. He radiated evil although often with a sly sense of humour. Sir Derek Jacobi even pops up in a small(ish) but important role.
What I liked about this film was that it developed some new ideas and angles from the first. We knew that Vampires and Werewolves were related at one point but here we go right back to that join and explore several of the characters origins. There is also a nice idea with your blood containing your memories so you can pass on power and information to people if they bite you (a bit like conkers, if you beat a 64-er you become a 65-er). The film also manages to still have a decent amount of Werewolves in it, even though they were pretty much decimated at the end of the original (even though this is primarily a Vampire film). As I mentioned the possible angle of a baby would be interesting and there are enough deaths to keep most fan-boys entertained, although the movie never takes itself too seriously. The special effects for Marcus are spectacular as he makes full use of his bat wings in a way the Creeper from 'Jeepers Creepers' never did, although I would have liked William to have been a little more distinctive from the other Werewolves. He's simply larger - would it have really hurt to have given him two heads?
The film was entertaining and if you can stomach the gore it's a good night's entertainment. It helps if you have seen the original, although most of the important information is given in flash backs at various points so it's not totally essential.
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Better action, a bit of sex, and gorier R-rated violence makeUnderworld: Evolutiona ... 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...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Better action, a bit of sex, and gorier R-rated violence makeUnderworld: Evolutiona ... 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...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
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 (Ka...
![Underworld - Evolution [DVD] [2006]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78491774.jpg "Underworld - Evolution [DVD] [2006]")
Nov 16th, 2006
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