Compelling, Gripping

Rating: 9/10 (22 September 2003)

Its been awhile since the latest installment of a vampire/werewolf movie has been attempted at the box office. This one is surely one of the finest I have seen.
The movie centers around the ongoing war between vampire and lycans (werewolves) and persistent power struggle to terminate the members of the opposite bloodline. Much unlike the user who reviewed this on the front page, I feel the storyline is very solid. The main character is played by Kate Beckinsale, who does a very stoic and realistic portrayal of a vampire named Celine who fights to avenge the brutual slaying of her family by the lycans when she was young.
This movie is filled with action and there are VERY FEW moments when something isn't going on. The mood set by the movie makes the war and its participants very believeable characters if you are able to let your mind free and try to imagine what it would feel like dealing with feelings that have lasted for thousands of years.
This movie is not about bloodsucking and killing of humans (although some humans do die, although more of a result of being caught up in the war) and lycans are more than just being that howl at the moon during a full moon. The storyline is very solid and even contains a few twists which go along with the plot very well.
One of the only flaws of this movie is that most characters are not developed to their potential, then again this movie is not about getting to know a character;s personality and background, etc.. There are a few characters that you dont really know what their role is, but overall this is an excellent movie.
For the type of movie this is, Underworld met and exceeded expectations. The writing is very solid and the special effects are very good. Beckinsale adds a no-nonsense female role that plays the part well and really gives Carrie Ann Moss a run for her money in leather.
If you can stomach the blood and have an open mind, you should be able to appreciate this movie for what it is-- A top-notch look into the UNDERWORLD!!
9/10