Romeo and Juliet of the Gothic

Rating: Null/10 (19 June 2004)

I was first intrigued about Underworld when Paula called it the 'Romeo and Juliet of the gothics'. That's Paula Malai Ali, the greatest VJ in the world, for the uninitiated. The trailer seemed cool enough but still wasn't sure if it was a movie for me. But yesterday seeing the choices that I had, I picked it up. And thank God that I did. Cause I really loved the movie. Its awesome. It really is. I mean if you are into that goth blue and black, total dark thing, you'll love it. The story is fluent, action fast and acting sharp enough.
I am so totally into that blue darkish movies that there is no reason for me NOT to love this movie. The war between lycans and vampires is a story line that pulls one in. The story has love, anguish, fear, betrayal, death and vengeance. And I'll swear, half way through the movie you WILL change your allegiance. That the movie concentrates more on the storyline than mindless action sequences is one of its definite plus points. Another thing I loved about the movie is that the two lead characters don't fall upon each, groping. There is only one very brief almost kissing sequence. That's prêt cool cause its not much of a war if the characters start getting all hot and sweaty in between. The CGI doesn't try to go overboard and does a splendid job.
Underworld is basically Kate Beckinsale all the way. She talks in this darkish kinda way and kicks some heavy metal butt. And I can't even imagine any other actress doing her role, that great Kate Beckinsale looked as Selene, the vamp-ire.
Glitches? Well, black trench coats should really go out of fashion. Both vampires and lycans have one thing in common  either they have long hair or shaved heads. I mean, can't you qualify to be a vampire or a lycan without the hair attribute. Speedman spends most of the movie being just a pretty-boy hustled around. The story leaves behind a lot of unanswered questions. What the movie really needed was some more time. For the story to develop even more and for some more war sequences between vampires and lycans. The story had potential if only things didn't happen too fast. The slicing of Victor's head is a scene that has been liberally 'borrowed' from Resident Evil. That could have been avoided. But all said and done this is one of the better dark movies that have come along in a long time. As of Kate Beckinsale what can I say:
I want you, in a vinyl suit, I want you bad Complicated, X-rated, I want you bad

'Want you badd' by The Offsprings.