Light on gore, good character development, consistent story

Rating: 8/10 (6 January 2004)

Putting aside all of the rhetoric about realism, Matrix rip-offs, and vampire/werewolf lore consistency, this movie stands as a rare gem because it is both intriguing and consistent unto itself.
The film is light on gore (only two moderate scenes) with heavy action sequences using submachine pistols and rifles. Don't expect to see vampires and werewolves ripping apart humans (thank goodness...)! Both species are more concerned in killing each other, and humans are just collateral damage.
This film (thankfully) generates its own refreshing ambience and lore concerning the origins and lives of vampyres and werewolves (a.k.a lycanthropes). For example, vampires live under a code preventing the consumption of human blood, with livestock blood being the acceptable entree. Thus, the reason why we (that's you and I) don't see or read about people dying from bite marks on their necks.
The acting was quite acceptable, with the exception of one of the main characters (Michael Corvin) who either had a bad script, or just can't act. I actually don't like gore/horror movies at all and had no plans to see this one until I read a review which described the film as more of an action/intrigue flick rather than a lunch tosser. What a pleasant surprise it was to be able to view this movie 4 times and still be learning interesting details about the storyline.
If you liked the ambience of the Matrix, and are tired of the same old boring vampire/werewolf storyline, then this movie should be high on your list. Otherwise, if you're seeking a gore/blood splatter flick then look elsewhere.