Oct 062003
 
four reels

The centuries-old war between vampires and werewolves comes to a head when the vampire warrior Selene (Kate Beckinsale) falls in love with Michael (Scott Speedman), a newly created werewolf.  More is at stake then just their relationship, as Michael’s genes hold the secret to ending the war.

Quick Review: Another of the stylish monster films, where art direction is more important than plot and wardrobe wins out over theme (along with Blade, Resident Evil, Van Helsing), but Underworld works even in the areas it is least concerned with.  The story races along, never giving you a moment to think about what is going on.  That’s just as well since the plot may be solid, but the character motivations are often lacking and their decisions a bit abrupt.  Don’t worry about that; this is Romeo and Juliet, so we already know everyone’s motivations.  The look of the film, washed out, blue, deeply focused, and dark, is beautiful.  The vampires are fashion models, with Kate Beckinsale, the queen of this new sub-genre, appearing as sex and violence personified.  There’s enough theme here to leave you thinking about class warfare (vampires = the rich, werewolves = workers), the civil war, racial prejudice, the value of love, and the futility of revenge, but that’s for later.  While watching, it’s all about sensuality.

Followed by Underworld: Evolution.