Review by Peter Syslo
UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION (2006) is the second film in the UNDERWORLD trilogy and it continues the story from the first film. Despite a few things that took away from the experience of the film, I thought that it was a very good sequel and it was a pretty inventive way to “wrap-up” the complex storyline. I know that there are people in the horror community who totally discount these films, but I honestly enjoy them and I feel that they are some of the best modern-day portrayals of the vampire and the werewolf. As I said in my review of UNDERWORLD, not all of Hollywood's creations are garbage and, conversely, not all independent productions are golden. I want to add to that statement, this week, by saying that not all horror films after the year 2000 are bad and, conversely, not all horror films in the 1970s and 1980s are good. Also, you have to keep in mind that some people will always complain that something isn't meeting their “high standards” and they will never be satisfied with anything – no matter how perceivably “good” it is. Enough about that. Let's move on.
UNDERWORLD: EVOULTION is directed by Len Wiseman and it is written by Danny McBride, Kevin Grevioux, and Wiseman. The film stars Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy, Steven Mackintosh, Shane Brolly, and Brian Steele.
The film continues right from the ending of UNDERWORLD. Selene and Michael are on the run because of the events of the previous evening: the Vampire/Lycan war is kind of “on hold” and there is fighting within the Vampires ranks because certain betrayals and secrets were discovered. To make matters worse, another Vampire elder, Marcus, has accidentally been awakened and he has absolutely no tolerance for the Vampire bickering. It turns out that Marcus was the first Vampire in existence and his brother William was the first Lycan. Their father is an immortal named Corvinus, but he is neither a Vampire nor a Lycan (his blood does still possess a special genetic quality though). Basically, Selene and Michael seek out Corvinus to learn more about the Vampire secrets. Selene learns about the whole Vampire conspiracy and she learns Marcus' true intentions as he attempts to free his imprisoned brother, William.
As with the first film, this one also has an intricate and “meaty” story. One of the best things about the picture was that they went further back into the historical side of things (as in the flashbacks of Lucius in the first film). This movie shows portions of battle, centuries ago, between the Vampires and Lycans. These portions were actually the best part of the film, aside from the storyline. These portions gave you an Old-World feel for the Vampires and Lycans, which is more of the traditional, goth-inspired interpretations of the characters. To be honest, it is rare when I like vampire films that takes place in the modern day. There are the few exceptions to that rule, but I like the Vampire and the Werewolf best when they are in their natural habitat - which is pre-20th century Europe. This film gave me a sense of that and it was somewhat retained in the “modern” sections. Yes, you still have some gunplay and technology, but fortunately these scenes are limited. In short, the storyline, combined with the unification of the old and new, really made the film work and it did have a bit of the “wow” factor to it. At least, it did for me; I thought that it was a pretty imaginative explanation of things (It's sort of like a graphic-novel approach to the classic Vampire/Werewolf tale).
What turned me off a little, about this film, was the gore. It's just that some of the gore seemed “out of place” and just dragged the film down a bit. Let me explain myself: Scenes of heads being shredded by wings and Lycans having their jaws broken backwards (although neat and unique effects) ruined a little of the “sexiness” of the movie. I can't fully explain it, but the first film (aside from the ending gore scene) displayed the grace and aristocracy of the Vampire and that was contrasted with the more bestial, brutal nature of the Lycan. I know that Michael is part of both species, but his killing methods and the rest of the gore in UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION seemed “below” the rest of the film. Does that make sense? I don't know. If you know the film, then you might relate to what I'm saying. Before I forget, let me mention that the romance between Selene and Michael is a little tired in this installment. It's a little far-fetched to me; they have known each other two days and they are portrayed as being in love and spiritually connected, etc. How do these people in films realize that? Love at first sight is kind of an antiquated notion and the fact that each would risk his/her whole existence to be with one another is just a little “thin”. The romance is a just a little unnecessary in the grand scheme of the story; but, it does cue in to the “dark romance” which drove a lot of the first film.
Gnawing through the flesh: The film was a pretty good sequel. The story was engaging and it made the film. The acting was basically good; the highlight performances were by Tony Curran (perfectly cast) as Marcus and Derek Jacobi as Corvinus. You have a great mix of historical and modern scenes with some of the dark sensuality thrown in, as seen in the scenes with the imprisoned Vampire historian and the sex scene between Michael and Selene. The effects were all excellent and the look of Marcus was awesome – even though the gore was a little too much, at times. That's all that I have to say! The third film looks like it focuses totally on the Old-World story; it is a prequel, explaining the incidents which caused the war. It looks interesting to me and it is something different. Let me just say one more thing about the UNDERWORLD films: THEY ARE ORIGINAL! THEY ARE NOT REMAKES! . Even if you don't like them, you have to acknowledge that they are original and that counts for something in the uninspired wash of remakes (although not all remakes are bad). I give UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION a 7/10.