Something to seek your teeth into...

Rating: Null/10 (10 October 2003)

Underworld can only be described as a modern day vampire story bringing together the success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a few fresh ingredients and producing the intriguing end result of a classic combination of Blade and The Matrix. The film centres on the conflicting battle between the vampires and the lycans (werewolves.) The two species have been locked in a pact to destroy one another for hundreds of years and the vicious lycans are planning a final assault to wipe out vampires completely. Naturally it's down to beautiful vampire Selene (Kate Beckinsdale) to save poor student Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman) who is caught in the crossfire. Being the action film that it is, Underworld has no shortage of flashy direction and skilful battle scenes, although at times I couldn't help wishing the filmmakers had decided to indulge in more martial art fight sequences instead of the bland gunfire stunts, which never really seem to capture the same appeal. Also for an apparent horror film, there seemed to be a surprising lack of actual horror and the entire film lacked any moments of real suspense. Even though the plot itself is full of engaging twists, characterization is kept at a minimum and even the obligatory Selene/Michael love plot never really seems to go anywhere.
Overall although the film admittedly is fun to watch and I did enjoy seeing it, I won't be forking out of my money to buy the DVD any time soon.