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Underworld: Evolution (2006), Entertaining, but Muddled (R/18A)

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JimD73	Posted: Jan 25 2006, 03:42 PM
Deputy General Group: G8: Canadian Ambassador Posts: 34 Member No.: 3 Joined: 23-October 05	Underworld: Evolution (2006) Action Released 1/20/06 Reviewed 1/24/06 Starring Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Steven Mackintosh, Bill Nighy, Brian Steele, Shane Brolly Written by Danny McBride Directed by Len Wiseman Rated R/18A for Pervasive Strong Violence/Gore, Some Language, Sexuality and Nudity There is something to be said for dumb action movies. That is that instead of huge buff guys shooting countless amounts of grunts, we instead have very slim, sexy girls going around and karate-chopping zombies and vampires to death. Underworld was among the first of this breed, and stands leagues above other movies in the same vein such as Resident Evil, Catwoman, Elektra, etc. Not only was the action much more satisfying than the others, it also contained some elements of a plot and even a decent twist. Sure, it was nothing exceptional on its own merits, but it was a good, fun action flick that didn’t leave nearly as bad a taste as others of its kind. A sequel was kind of inevitable, and so was me seeing it, even if the first film was more of a nice diversion than a truly good movie. Thankfully, the second is the same, even if it is extremely muddled. Evolution starts off basically where the first movie left off. After a brief flashback that recounts how Selene (Beckinsale) was betrayed by her vampire kin, teamed up with vampire-werewolf hybrid Michael Corvin (Speedman) and killed vampire elder Viktor (Nighy). We are brought back in to see Michael and Selene still on the run from the vampires and Michael coming to grips with the fact he is no longer human. Any plans they had for a peaceful retreat go to hell when Marcus (Curran), the original vampire now infused with werewolf blood, goes after Selene in attempt to get her blood memories in order to find and release his brother William, the original werewolf, who was imprisoned by Viktor centuries ago. And, well, that’s pretty much the whole plot. Aside from the introduction of a sex-crazed exile and a mysterious old man, the plot remains in a solid state of inertia throughout the whole movie. In other words, it only seems to progress in the last five minutes. Other than that, it boils to down four steps, which are fight Marcus, run away from Marcus, Marcus finds you, rinse, repeat. It really makes the movie feel much shorter than it actually is, and much less satisfying than the original. Also, if you have never seen the original, prepare to be extremely confused. In fact, even if it has simply been a while since you have seen the original, odds are you will be confused as well. Despite the numerous flashbacks to the first movie, pretty much all plot points are muddled to the point where if you didn’t see the first right before seeing the second, you won’t even know what is going on until an hour into the movie. Of course, who really needs to know what it going on in a movie like this? All we really need is a bunch of ghouls getting their asses handed to them to make this worthwhile, and Underworld Evolution certainly delivers in this regard. The numerous fistfights are extremely fun to watch, and spaced out pretty well. Any fight between Michael and Marcus is lots of fun, as they seem very evenly matched. The gun fights are a let down, as while plenty of bullets are spewed, they seem to do little to no damage. For example, Selene takes a shotgun to the gut early on the movie and does not even have a scratch in her clothing. It makes all the bang-bang considerably less satisfying. Of course, what would a vampire movie be without buckets of gore? Underworld certainly delivers in that regard. Why, not three minutes into the actual movie, some has their head chopped in half in the middle of a close-up. Throw in plenty of stabbing, slicing and jaw-ripping and we have a good old-fashioned gore fest that is sure to amuse action fans everywhere. As for acting, this is one of those movies where you can feel free to say who cares. Of course, if you look hard enough, it is pretty horrendous. Sure, Kate Beckinsale works very well with a sarcastic British attitude and is drop-dead gorgeous in skin-tight leather, but the same quality can’t be said for the others. Speedman really never reaches the emotional height of Michael, which is only attempted once in the beginning, leaving the character as just a tag-along for the rest of the flick. Curran also never impresses outside of his hybrid makeup as Marcus. Overall, it may not be great, but you’ll be to preoccupied with everything getting blown up to care. All in all, Underworld Evolution is a bit of a mixed bag. Sure, it has a handful of sweet action scenes and the perfect amount of gore, not to mention one of the less cringe-inducing hyper-action heroines around today, but it lacks with a muddled plot and pointless shootouts. While it doesn’t reach the level that the first did, it still stands strong as a detour worthy for action fans. Of course, if hyper-action isn’t your cup of tea, stray far, far away. 2006 is starting off decent. Overall Rating – 69%

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