Underworld Falls Short

Rating: 5/10 (11 August 2006)

Vampire and werewolf films have been successful lately, so it was only inevitable that eventually they would go mano-a-mano in a "Blade"-esque action/horror hybrid. Lo and behold, this film features a sexy and leather-clad Kate Beckinsale as a fanged fighter who sparks a war between the werewolves (led by the snarling Michael Sheen) and the vampires (presided over by Bill Nighy, chewing the scenery as usual). For a movie that draws so heavily from the "Blade" series, Underworld is fairly low on action, and high on talk, which would be fine if the characters didn't talk in "Matrix"-like sci-philoso-babble. When, after an exruciatingly long buildup, push finally does come to shove, the action is served up music video style-fast, flashy, and utterly confusing. Though director Len Wiseman's insistence on using practical effects is commendable, the makeup jobs look ridiculous, especially those of the werewolves, who look about as advanced as 80's Yoda. This film's main saving grace is the actors. Beckinsale delivers flat dialogue ("We take the bullets out until they talk....and then.....we put them back in.") with badass appeal that transcends her tender looks. Only Shane Brolly turns in a disappointing performance, unable to settle for an American, Russian, or Irish accent, and delivering all three with equal boredom. The set design is also glorious, a convincing fusion of old and new. Underworld has potential. It fullfills some of it, but could have been so much more. I liked this one just enough to anticipate the sequel.