Underworld: Evolution
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy, Michael Sheen, Shane Brolly
Directed by: Len Wiseman

Released in the US: January 20, 2006
Released in the UK: January 20, 2006

Reviewed by: Adam Mast, ZBoneman.com

Underworld: Evolution is the follow-up to the 2003 hit. Like it’s predecessor, this flashy actioneer reminded me of The Matrix, The Crow and Blade, but in the end, it isn’t as good as those pictures (or the original Underworld for that matter).

In Evolution, gorgeous vampire warrior Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and studly werewolf Michael (Scott Speedman) soldier-on following the events that occurred in the first picture. Hot on their trail is the vengeful Viktor, the father of the modern day vampire. As Selene and Michael attempt to discover the true nature of their bloodlines, their undeniable love for one another continues to grow.

The original Underworld was not a classic by any means, but I enjoyed the – dare I say it – Shakespeare quality of the storyline. Essentially, the entire tale is derived from Romeo and Juliet, and the very idea of that was intriguing to me. Stylistically, the film smacked of The Matrix with it’s use of bullet time effect, and a majority of the characters running around in tight leather garb while wielding big guns.

In this follow-up, the war between vampires and werewolves rages on, but Evolution completely ditches the Shakespeare. This sequel is far more interested in action than anything else. After a brief opening in which the audience is brought up to speed via a backstory flashback, director Len Wiseman cuts to the chase and pays homage to everything from Raiders of the Lost Ark (watch for a truck chase early on in the film–it’s a riot) to The Terminator.

Kate Beckinsale is simply a dream in leather pants. I could watch her for hours. While this isn’t a role of any kind of depth, Beckinsale manages to keep things low key unlike her laughably awful turn in Van Helsing. Scott Speedman is sort of a blank, although I will lobby hard to insure that he plays Scott Stapp if Hollywood ever decides to make a Creed bio pic. If Underworld: Evolution does offer up a strong performance, it has to be veteran Bill Nighy. He’s perfectly wicked as the ominous Viktor.

Wiseman has certainly fashioned a slick production. I really liked the look of the picture (like the first film, it’s dark with shades of blue), although I do tend to tire a bit of the MTV style editing. It’s also completely obvious that Wiseman is Kate Beckinsale’s biggest fan (after all, they are married) and he shares her with the whole audience. What’s missing in Evolution though, is a sense of urgency. The film isn’t slow by any means, but somehow, it lacks energy. It just got to a point when I really didn’t care what was happening.

Underworld: Evolution isn’t a horrible film but it isn’t anything particularly memorable either. There have been superior films based on the vampire and werewolf legends before but I suppose there have been worse. If you’re a big fan of the first Underworld then chances are you’ll probably dig this one. I thought the first was okay., but I’d much rather sit at home and watch a double feature of Blade 2 and The Howling.

Grade: C