Underworld: Evolution

It's always nice when a sequel can at least be as good as the original. Although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Underworld. Part of that is because this was all about gun fire. Yes, there were some good fights but the first on had some sword fighting and that one guy with his whips. This didn't mix it up as much. They also got a little to focused on the backstory mythology of the villian. Problematic for a couple of reasons. One it took to much of the story's focuse from Selene and two made the story feel like more of a prequel than a sequel. Even though I didn't care that much for the overall story it did play out pretty decently. And the acting was good. Kate Beckinsale really does seem to enjoy playing this part. And why not it's just good fun.


Spoilers Ahead:


I did like how they worked in some information that pertained to the original story. It was really a good idea. If that would have had moore to do with it, it would have been a better story. The family historian that they exiled being the one who created the vampire killing bullets was an interesting twist.

Also in that vein how that piece of information towards the end of the original about how exactly Selene had become a vampire and the lie she had been told for years came into more focus in the sequel. Again the path the story should have stayed on. It was enough of a twist that Viktor was not the savior she believed him to be but then to twist it again to be that his motives were to silence her father for building the secret tomb that was a smart play. I mean they could have just made it that all these years ago Viktor had the tomb made and aside from it holding Marcus's brother it could have had nothing more to do with the story. Much better that it played into her backstory.

Now for the problems with the story. First off never have a villian that's so much more powerful than your hero/heroine that he/she has to do some realy strange thing to gain the power to defeat him. Pay attention to the sotry you created and don't throw in weird things that make no sense. Most people that follow these movies (or shows) are very aware of the mythology for then and they know when you've messed with it too much or strayed from it even a little bit.

When the movie opens it reminds you how the vampires and werewolves began. Twin brothers, one bitten by a bat one bitten by a wolf. Seems simple enough but then they go to far. Turns out after hundreds of years their father is still alive. They never explain why he's lived so long or what (if anything) he is suppose to be. It's also implied that whatever he is has something to do with his sons being what they are. Suddenly they want you to believe that they were born this way which completely goes against what they've already established for the characters. Then by nothing more than stabbing him Marcus (the vampire brother) kills his own father. Who just before he dies, has Selene feed off him which suddenly give her the power to defeat Marcus. It also turns out that it makes her immune to sunlight.

I did like how in the end she killed the vampire and Michael killed the werewolf. The audience really enjoyed the manner in which each was disposed of.



Aside from stretching their own mythology a bit much it is still a good movie worth the full price I paid to see it.