Better than i expected

Rating: 10/10 (20 September 2003)

There is a great war between Vampires and Lycans (Werewolf). Selene (A cool Beckinsale, is one of the werewolves who is fighting to avenge her family's death. However she uncovers a plan where the werewolves are looking for a human (Scott Speedman), and its up to her to protect herself and Speedman as both the Werewolves and Vampires search for them. To be honest i expected this film to suck. I mean the tone is similar to Blade, the fight scenes are out of the Matrix, and its got just about everything from every Vampire, Werewolf and Goth film out there. However, Underworld is a pleasant surprise as it tries to at least give put some thought on familiar trodden territory. The storyline is pretty well throughout, even though with the amount of subplots and backstory it does get confusing at times. Beckinsale is excellent as Selene as she seems very capable when it comes to the action scenes, and she wont let fellow Vampires stop her from doing the right thing. She is always focused on acheiving her goal without anyone stopping her. Scott Speedman is perfectly cast as the confused human (Michael) who gets bitten by a Lycan and is protected by Selene from the Lycans who are out to search for him. The action scenes are excellent. From the Vampires using an arsenal of gun s to the camera changing to Werewolves viewpoint (Which is inspired by Sam Raimi), there are some of the best scenes in terms of action you will probably see all year. The only thing i don't like is the sometimes confusing plot and the exposition, but that could be because i expected the film to have a thin storyline when i walked into the cinema. However a few scenes don't work very well which have very little aside from a few characters talking about certain plot points for a few minutes. However this is only a minor quibble and it shouldn't distract from the entertaining film too much. Even though this film hasn't got the budget or hype that other blockbusters films do, it deserves to do as successful as them. Who knows this may even evolve into a cult classic.
8/10