Enjoyable, but slow to get going

Rating: Null/10 (23 September 2003)

I went into this film after reading a fair few bad reviews in the UK tabloids about this movie, but seeing as I have this week off work I thought I'd go check it out.
--- The film starts off with a good action sequence showing basically how tough both the vampires and the lycans (werewolves) are but these sequences are few and far between, although all of them are great to watch and certainly get the adrenaline going.
The story itself revolves around an age old war between vampires and lycans which has been fought for the best part (if not longer) of 1000 years. There has been a lull in the past few hundred after vampire disciple Kraven defeated the leader of the lycans Lucian.
The vampire covenant are gearing up for an awakening ceremony which will see one of the vampire elders brought back to life after centuries of slumber. However, the lycans have other plans.... ---
The film is completely set at night which gives a really dark look and it is always raining whenever any of them venture outdoors. The leather-clad Selene (Beckinsale) does remind you of Trinity from the Matrix, but she looks hot all the same. There is a very gothic look about the vampires from their clothing down to their mansion and general demenour.
The are only 3 things I can get picky about with this film. Firstly, the film is slow to get going, for the first hour or so the film opens up so many questions you're left thinking "huh?", but soon after this the rest of the story and more action kicks off which keeps you in your seat for the remaining hour. Secondly, the vampires all seem to have reflections. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but vampires don't have reflections?? But sure enough in every glass window and even a mirror, they can all see themselves. Lastly, the lycan transformation from human into werewolf is quite impressive looking, but when they are pounding about on the walls and floors, they look a teeny bit tacky.
All in all, I was a good fiver spent for 2 hours of gothic action which had a pretty good storyline and an excellent twist which I never would have seen coming....go see it!!