Underworld Movie Review
September 28, 2003 | 
45 Comments
I like vampires. Blade is one of my favorite movies, Interview with The Vampire one of my favorite books. I’ve just always had a thing for vampire stories. You can imagine I was interested to see Underworld.
As when I first saw Blade I didn’t expect a whole lot. In my opinion Hollywood just hasn’t been able to produce a truly classic vampire flick, at least not yet. Underworld, as I expected, is no exception. Having said that, I did enjoy it quite a bit.
It’s not as good as Blade, I’m sure quite a few people will want to make that comparison, but it has it’s moments. Visually it’s alright, but it’s a bit too monotone for my liking. The setting gets a bit tiresome after awhile, but the effects are decent and not overdone.
The basic plot is pretty simple. It’s pretty much Romeo and Juliet with Werewolves and Vampires playing the Capulets and Montagues. Kate Beckinsale plays Selene, a werewolf hunting vampire, or “death dealer” who’s only goal in like is to exterminate the vampire’s rival Lycans. It’s fairly interesting if a bit thin.
Beckinsale does a pretty good job of playing a somewhat vulnerable immortal, and Michael Sheen does a great job with the werewolf leader, Lucian, but other than that most of the characters and their respective actors’ performances are fairly one dimensional. Not bad, but not great either.
At times Underworld seems like it could break out into something really good, but never quite gets there. It’s interesting enough to keep you into it, and there is enough action keep it fun, but it’s lacking that something extra that would make this a really good movie.
All in all I would recommend Underworld to fans of the genre and those who liked Blade, it’s a good movie that, if there was a bit more attention to detail and a more original creative vision, could have been very, very good.
My rating: 3 1/2 out of 5.
Filed under: Review
Comments
1. Lauren Wylde said:
Blade and Underworld did share a few very obvious traits, like the Silver Nitrate Bullets and the UV Bullets? The allergy to silver?
I dont pretend to know alot about the Vampire/Werewolf thing, even though it interests me greatly, but I thought that the story line was fantastic, even though it was a bit obvious, come on, we all knew that Selene was guna fall in love with Mr Halfbreed. As a film and media student, I can say that the visuals were pretty amazing, costume and settings were perfect, I couldnt have made it better myself. Anyone else notice that Selene was the only woman not to wear classic gothic clothing, but PVC?
Posted on November 12, 2003 03:17 AM | #
2. manny said:
No! i`ts a good movie…
I love it.
Make like this again pls…..
Posted on November 13, 2003 05:27 AM | #
3. Shane Mascal said:
Blade and John Carpenter’s Vampiers were the best vampire moives i have seen. The Wolf was the best waerwolf movie i have seen. But to combine them both is out of this world. Of course some people are not gonna like it and some will, but at the end of the day its the majority that counts “And the survey says”. If anyone reading this that has contacts with the producers and writers of this movie please persuade them make a sequel becuase i am dieing for it especially the way the movie ended
Posted on November 19, 2003 08:00 PM | #
4. Reeya said:
As far as vampires are concerned, well you can find me there. Actually i found Underworld to be a great movie though many people in my country(Mauritius) did not like it.
Posted on December 4, 2003 01:09 AM | #
5. Fiona said:
I really enjoyed the movie - and Selene was NOT the only woman wearing PVC. When she returns to the mansion for the first time, and is talking to Kraven, there is a woman standing behind her wearing the exact same costume as her..
I guess it coulda bin betta but im a real fan of vampire anything really, so it got my thumbs up
Posted on December 5, 2003 03:41 AM | #
6. Nana said:
At first, I expected the movie to be somewhat action-pack typical vampire or werewolf killing movie. So I was not interested, but after I saw it..what the hell it was great! Apart from the action, the storyline was intriguing. Cant wait to see the sequel.
Posted on December 13, 2003 08:09 AM | #
7. CK said:
I’m sorry, but I’m a fiction-loving teen with a passion for writing, and having recently written two books (i say books because they fill those little ring-bound notebooks you get at department stores), more like novelles, about vampiric demons, it seems to me no small coincidence, this movie. maybe it could be because im a troubled adolescent but i feel like my world is being taken away bit by bit… CK the Demon and The Dutch Coven are 18-25 years old and instead of being killed by fire, they control it, holy water just tastes funny to them, ck the demon wears a cross and sunlight sends them straight to hell. anyway- will someone please tell sony pictures they are providing a grim example of someone helping the universe destroy someone elses life (and whats worse, someone they dont know)? please? i mean, i loved Interview with the Vampire (and the other four, which i read after i wrote my novelles), ive never seen blade or blade 2… i thought it was disrespectful to my characters… but this now seems like a direct attempt by whatever celestial being is up there to toss me bodily into misery. vampires and demons have always interested me and the pure commerciality of it is whats stopping me from trying to get my novelles published… grr i dont even know what im trying to say here, but i expect its somewhere along the lines of ‘be respectful to vampires’. this materialistic approach is killin’ me. and what really bites is that you guys are saying the movie isnt even that good. ah well…. CK, signing off.
Posted on December 13, 2003 11:15 AM | #
8. CK said:
I’m sorry, but I’m a fiction-loving teen with a passion for writing, and having recently written two books (i say books because they fill those little ring-bound notebooks you get at department stores), more like novelles, about vampiric demons, it seems to me no small coincidence, this movie. maybe it could be because im a troubled adolescent but i feel like my world is being taken away bit by bit… CK the Demon and The Dutch Coven are 18-25 years old and instead of being killed by fire, they control it, holy water just tastes funny to them, ck the demon wears a cross and sunlight sends them straight to hell. anyway- will someone please tell sony pictures they are providing a grim example of someone helping the universe destroy someone elses life (and whats worse, someone they dont know)? please? i mean, i loved Interview with the Vampire (and the other four, which i read after i wrote my novelles), ive never seen blade or blade 2… i thought it was disrespectful to my characters… but this now seems like a direct attempt by whatever celestial being is up there to toss me bodily into misery. vampires and demons have always interested me and the pure commerciality of it is whats stopping me from trying to get my novelles published… grr i dont even know what im trying to say here, but i expect its somewhere along the lines of ‘be respectful to vampires’. this materialistic approach is killin’ me. and what really bites is that you guys are saying the movie isnt even that good. ah well…. CK, signing off.
Posted on December 13, 2003 11:15 AM | #
9. CK said:
OH NO!!! I’m sorry everybody, im pretty nervous now and i think i double-clicked out of reflex. sorry moderators…
Posted on December 13, 2003 11:17 AM | #
10. Bri said:
I think it was a great movie!!!!!!!! I watched it over and I watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over andI watched it over and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on January 5, 2004 11:31 AM | #
11. Tasha said:
I loved Underworld because I’m into all the Vampires and Werewovels. I only rented it a few days ago and I want to rent it again it was so good. I hope that the two other ones are going to be as good as the first.
Posted on January 15, 2004 10:50 AM | #
12. Don Weiss said:
This blows Blade away, and Blade was pretty good picture. This is the beginning of an epic tale and if they stick to their guns, sequels can’t lose. This is the Action/Horror you’ve been waiting for. It’s cool AND has depth. It moves fast AND has good characters. 10 out of 10. This is an adult comic fantasy that becomes easy to believe. FUN! FUN! FUN! See it or lose.
Posted on January 15, 2004 02:27 PM | #
13. Fatima said:
I’m officially obsessed with the Underworld. This is probably one of the best Vampire/Werewolf movies to ever exist. I just pray to God that Len Wiseman and his team of writers don’t Hollywoodiz the sequle. If they stick to their guns, it should be a kick ass movie.
Posted on January 21, 2004 04:18 PM | #
14. Fatima said:
I’m officially obsessed with the Underworld. This is probably one of the best Vampire/Werewolf movies to ever exist. I just pray to God that Len Wiseman and his team of writers don’t Hollywoodiz the sequle. If they stick to their guns, it should be a kick ass movie.
Posted on January 21, 2004 04:18 PM | #
15. Fatima said:
I’m officially obsessed with the Underworld. This is probably one of the best Vampire/Werewolf movies to ever exist. I just pray to God that Len Wiseman and his team of writers don’t Hollywoodiz the sequle. If they stick to their guns, it should be a kick ass movie.
Posted on January 21, 2004 04:19 PM | #
16. Jade said:
I did not enjoy Underworld as much as I thought I would. The lycans were interesting at best (especially Lucian…he was pretty cool), but the vampires were so irritatingly HUMAN in their behaviour and movements. They were loud and clumsy and easy to kill. Theye did not even heal like your average vampire! Granted, they had their moments when they actually seemed like plausible vampires, but when Selene fainted from an injury to the shoulder (blood loss, perhaps? COME ON) I almost gave up on it. Were it not for my ‘god-I-hope-it-gets-better’ attitude, I probably would have. Selene’s character was pretty generic. Beat up ‘bad’ guys, kiss the hybrid, Michael, jump 100 feet to the ground. I must admit, though, I did like the 100 foot jump. The plot was interesting, but it did not make up for the slaughter of perfectly good vampire lore.
So, if you like human-like vampires and watching them being slaughtered by lycans then go on ahead. Enjoy. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Posted on January 22, 2004 02:34 PM | #
17. Rtv! said:
This movie reminded me too much of the Matrix, Blade and Equilibrium.
Check the settings and ending. I loved the transformations and the gadgets. The action level was quite low too. I found Selena kinda clumsy in her movements, not really confident.
Posted on January 23, 2004 04:28 PM | #
18. Emma said:
See, this is the thing - when it comes to vampire lore, it’s all relative. It comes down to the person writing it as to how they are going to utilise the knowledge they have and make it relevant to where they want to take the story. Since we are (as far as we know!) speaking of something which is purely fictional, there is no basis upon which anything can be set that is not malleable.
I really felt as though Underworld was a brilliant movie - and without even knowing that there WAS going to be one or more sequels, halfway through the movie I was thinking, “PLEASE let there be a sequel!”. So, I’m happy. Has anyone any idea when the follow-ups are scheduled for release? I’m very much looking forward to them!
Cheers!
Emma.
Posted on January 25, 2004 06:23 AM | #
19. Glitter said:
I enjoyed Underworld. Let’s make that clear from the start :)
Let’s start with all the copycat debating. Let’s face it guys- there’s probably not a single thing that hasn’t been ‘done’ before, only ways of re-working it. And I’m pretty impressed with the way they did it.
Yes there’s a bit- or more than a bit rather- of Matix in there, obviously in the PVC, stunts and camera actions. But at the same time, this is sooo not Matix! Not sure about the rest of you but for me, Matrix really sizzled out after the first movie. The other two were entirely predictable and too self-absorbed in their own greatness concerning digital effects, very Star Wars-y.
Underworld on the other hand, leaves you guessing. Yes some people aren’t going to like the fact that all is made clear way towards the end of the movie. True, it may have been nicer if it had been made more clearly towards the beginning or even in the middle but if you look towards the storyplot, where could this have occured? Maybe it’s just me. But at the same time all the confusing flashbacks politically represent the reasons for war- fuzzy as they are in reality. No-one really knows why the war started except for Lucien- so now after I’ve watched the movie, I’m actually glad they did wait until explaining everything because it keeps you in the same knowledge league as all of the rest of the characters.
As for the ‘romance’ between Selene and Michael. The director once stated that “if the audience left feeling that if they had more time, the relationship might take off, I’m glad”. He also stated that he didn’t want to make Underworld your typical Romeo and Juliet movie. Much as I really really wanted to see those two together at the end of the movie, it doesn’t happen- your focus is more concentrated on the situation rather than two good-looking people making eyes at each other. This in my opinion is still good- it keeps you guessing.
As for keeping up the myths between the two species. What would you rather see- plot, or a documentary on the special abilites of werewolves and vampires? I’ll let you think on that one. Even as with Lord of the Rings- sometimes you just have to cut back on some things to keep the story going. And who says that Vampires can turn into bats? Is that merely a myth…?
No sunshine, constant rain, and that much-talked about black and blue settings. Let me go through each one by one.
Firstly, vampires can’t survive in daylight. No darkness, no characters, no plot, no story. booo-ring…
Choice of lighting: I actually liked this one, I thought it was brilliant. There’s a difference between darkness and that tinted darkness that adds a bit of colour (on stage we call it the ‘black light’ even though it’s actually blue) and the one used in this film was the latter. It gives the film a sort of darker view- suitable because the film isn’t exactly something along the lines of Lycans and Vampires at a tea party where someone spills the milk.
Enough of my rambling now. I only saw the movie a few hours ago (yes it only came out in Australia recently!) and I’m already dying for the sequel. Can’t let a strong female lead like Selene go unforgotten. Even in the Matrix Trinity’s main purpose was only to play the girlfriend.
Posted on February 14, 2004 03:28 AM | #
20. goldendelicious said:
i really, really enjoyed that movie.
dont get me wrong, it wasnt perfect. i think that the reason behind the “war” was a bit thin, the vampires very much underdeveloped for beings supposedly hundreds of years old, the plot fairly linear, and of course some of the screenplays were awful- for example the fight between that big black guy warewolf and the guy with the whips- please! as if youre going to screw around with whips. nice visuals, but the “reality” and immersivity goes to hell a bit because of things like this
the movie was EXCELLENT up to the point just after the initial subway fight…then the bubble burst
in my ever so humble opinion (hehe) they should have fleshed it out a bit more, let us get to know the characters (they were a bit vague) and bring it to a peak later in the film
anyway that being said, hurry up and make the next one :)
i wonder if those writers/directors actually ever read this internet stuff?
Posted on February 16, 2004 07:10 AM | #
21. Rain said:
I loved this movie but I did have a few problems with plot details - I want to know why Amelia - since she is No.1 Vampire at the moment - didn’t put up the faintest bit of a fight especially considering how powerful she is meant to be (if Victors power is any hint). I know this isn’t exactly a review, but could someone with some insight please fill me in?!
Posted on February 19, 2004 04:08 PM | #
22. Mike said:
I thought this movie is great…but one think has been bothering me: Where can I find a picture of the symbol seen on the wall of Victor’s/Marcus’ room? Does anybody know what I’m talking about? I think it is seen as a huge symbol on the wall, and also on the coffins of the Vampire Elders. If you have this picture, or know where I find it, PLEASE e-mail me at lvnglrg3@optonline.net Thank you!
Posted on February 24, 2004 07:13 PM | #
23. Lanfear>> said:
I’m a fan of the movie Underworld too. And I’m surprised at the amount of negitive comments about it around the film.
First of all the film was basically aimed at vampire/werewolf & action fans which is nice for a change, so it wasn’t created to be liked by everyone. Also peoples comments on how human the vampires are should not really be an issue apart from the fact, yes they’re extremely weak ass and unable to really engage in battle with a lycan unless they’ve got a gun -.-. Its dissapointing to see erika able to defy gravity and hang upside down on the ceiling, then the vampires battleing lycans planted firmly on the ground. God they could be standing on the ceiling shooting for heavens sake! Also there are some scenes where lycans are able to run along walls which i find strange as lycans originated from wolves not bats like the vampires which explains their ability to hang upside down o_0 Plus the lycans are running along the walls and sometimes they lose all contact with them, so shouldn’t they fall a bit towards the ground? or can they hover @_@.
I’m also dissapointed how some people ive talked to expect vampires to act like complete monsters and have no human emotions. They usually begin as a human and i think its only natural that they retain their emotion and human judgements and ideas. Overtime I can understand them losing their humanity as there ties to the mortals around them fade but I’m sure one lil bite wont make you suddenly sit up and say I hate humanity and lets destroy or murder them. I enjoy the film for being more realistic with this and the fact that the vampires aren’t affected by holy water and crosses.
Selenes supposed unexpected romance with michael I find is also justifyed to a point in the film. As a deathdealer whos reason to live is for revenge, shes not the one to go all over the top and show she likes Michael. She intially has an interest in him because of the lycans. She has the code and honour of a warrior and when michael helps her she feelsits her duty to repay him despite it going against all she was taught about lycans. Under this stress of these issues she has to deal with I can understand she feels an attraction to michael, and he to her as they try to get a grip of their lives.
The lack of female lycans I also find reasonable. As they are a hunted race and being driven to extinction I’m sure they wouldn’t willingly drag them into the war. Plus the pack wasn’t really a family group but a warrior gathering of Lucien.
Also Amelia’s lack of resistance despite being an elder vampire is because she places importance on decadence not strength. She may be old but it doesn’t mean she is strong. Kraven is a perfect example of this. He’s older than selene but she is far stronger.
I hope someone understands what i mean and it makes sense.
Posted on March 2, 2004 07:28 PM | #
24. Rain said:
Thanks Lanfear for the tidbit on Amelia - I obviously didn’t catch this in the film - and will just have to watch it again!!
Posted on March 8, 2004 04:05 AM | #
25. PJ said:
I agree with some of comments made here: Selene and Lucien were great characters, the movie visually exquisite, had the makings of a great plot and started off so well. Problem was the lack of originality (Scenes on the stairs in the interrogation building blatently stolen from Matrix and repeated ad nauseum) and the failure to develop the plot. Let’s hope the sequel has a bigger budget to truly do justice to the movie.
Posted on March 11, 2004 04:24 AM | #
26. coconutchick said:
I only just watched this film last night and i was utterly disappointed. Selena seemed very one dimensional as did several of the other characters. The plot was also very weak. Kraven did not seem to have the power or even the charisma for one who is supposed to be the ‘leader’ of the vampires in comparison to Lucian. This film also blatently borrowed ideas from other films and had nothing original to say, which was sad as i thought the idea of it was quite interesting. Blade was a hell of a lot better. It also went against the vampire lore i’ve read and watched. I mean, since when does a vampire faint from blood loss?
All in all i wasn’t impressed, I can hope that they produce a sequel that can add more flesh to this movie.
Posted on March 12, 2004 01:29 AM | #
27. Gersen said:
I just saw Underworld today (3/12/2004) and I have a question…
During interrogation by Selene, in front of Viktor, a captive Lycan relates the battle to join the bloodlines, but that it’s doomed to failure because “even at the genetic level our species strive to destroy each other” (may be paraphrased)
Everyone that saw the movie with me thinks Marcus would be awakened at the end.
I saw a Lycan’s blood run into him, which I interpreted as something which would destroy him.
Any input?
Posted on March 12, 2004 08:28 PM | #
28. Mike said:
It was lycan blood? Cool. But, I doubt there will be a sequel, so I don’t really know how to interpret it. I’d like to repeat: “Where can I find a picture of the symbol seen on the wall of Victor’s/Marcus’ room? Does anybody know what I’m talking about? I think it is seen as a huge symbol on the wall, and also on the coffins of the Vampire Elders. If you have this picture, or know where I find it, PLEASE e-mail me at lvnglrg3@optonline.net Thank you!”
Posted on March 13, 2004 07:55 PM | #
29. Chris said:
Can any of you tell me the name of the song at the end of the trailer. It’s not on the sound track, and i’ve been going nuts looking for it. Send an email or msn to melven44@hotmail.com if you know.
Thanks
Chris
Posted on March 14, 2004 03:19 PM | #
30. Rain said:
Mike - I don’t know about your symbol - I can’t remember it, but you could try Gordon melton’s The Vampire Book - it seems to have everything and anything about vampires in it!
Posted on March 17, 2004 05:25 PM | #
31. Mike said:
I found the symbol I was looking for. Only problem is, theres only half of it visible. If you feel like helping me, go to http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/underworld/site/main.html and click “Vampire.” After that, click “Characters” on the interesting gold design in the corner. Click “Viktor” and the symbol will be right behind him on the wall. Now that some might understand me, can you help me find this symbol? It looks amazing. Thanks.
Posted on March 17, 2004 06:26 PM | #
32. Lanfear>> said:
There’s two soundtracks for Underworld. The score and the more common one that you probley have Chris. Look for the second on Amazon.
Posted on March 22, 2004 09:33 PM | #
33. David said:
I really liked this movie. Come on, just look at Selene! I think that the plot is great enough, but it’s kinda predictable sometimes. I just pray that the sequel, if they decide to make one, keeps that cool stuff.
Posted on April 10, 2004 10:05 PM | #
34. Marios said:
What can I say.. the word Great, totally covers me. That’s all. I can’t believe that was such A Great movie. Nice work.
Posted on April 11, 2004 06:44 AM | #
35. BJ said:
I loved Underworld!! And I can’t wait for a second Underwolrd to come out!!! I only hope that Kate Beckensele will again play Slene in the second movie cause she was GREAT!!!! and also Scott Speedmen !!
Posted on April 26, 2004 07:40 PM | #
36. Spaeds said:
Underworld relates to current and modern dna mutation experimentation which was a science before its time for modern day humans, but remember that just like there has no lucid image of craven or painted resembling the face of satan existing till this day, just as well remember that modern sience is a constant enginiusly cycle for angels, extra-terrestials and demension walkers, also known as demons, alike which is before history was marked by humans. Just as the disappearing act of satan him self, beware around you, for vamps and devils have also evolved genetic science to become modern day day walkers. Just a bit of advice from the devil him self.
Posted on April 29, 2004 01:36 AM | #
37. Spaeds said:
Underworld relates to current and modern dna mutation experimentation which was a science before its time for modern day humans, but remember that just like there has no lucid image of craven or painted resembling the face of satan existing till this day, just as well remember that modern sience is a constant enginiusly cycle for angels, extra-terrestials and demension walkers, also known as demons, alike which is before history was marked by humans. Just as the disappearing act of satan him self, beware around you, for vamps and devils have also evolved genetic science to become modern day day walkers. Just a bit of advice from the devil him self.
Posted on April 29, 2004 01:38 AM | #
38. Laura said:
So can anyone answer what this means for Marcus since the Lycan blood seeped into his tomb? Will he become a combination like Michael???
Posted on June 16, 2004 12:57 PM | #
39. natalie mills said:
i want a picture of amelia from underworld in her dress.
thanks
nat
Posted on June 29, 2004 03:23 AM | #
40. Nanrad said:
Underworld is a fantastic movie. It leaves “Blade” completely in the dust. This movie has it all. Suspense, action, and a love story that doesn’t hit you over the head. My friends and I watched it twice and are hoping there is a sequel.
Posted on July 24, 2004 10:11 PM | #
41. Cali said:
I would love a pic of Amelia’s dress also, please e-mail me at princess_cma@yahoo.com.
Thanks!
Posted on February 9, 2005 10:46 PM | #
42. Brandy said:
Where can I find a picture of Amelia in that dress when she is in the train. That is a beautiful dress.
Posted on February 18, 2005 08:57 AM | #
43. Konyka said:
I have to admit I am slightly obsessed with this film. I am desperately hoping there will be some sort of follow-up. Has anyone heard anything?
In response to the question posed concerning Marcus and the blood, I didn’t think the doctor was a lycan. Perhaps this is a mistake, but from the way he delivered his big speech - how distanced he was from his topic - I assumed he had been ‘recruited.’ Now that I think about it, I don’t know that that makes sense. However, it is the only way around the problem of the mingling bloods.
Oh, I just thought of something. As a direct decendent of Corvinus, but already of the vampire line, perhaps Marcus will have a bit of an ‘immunity’ to lycan blood. Hmmm. Just a thought…
Posted on June 5, 2005 12:15 PM | #
44. zach said:
i think it was a great move and the girl was fine (if ur askin me) but im shure any of u would agrie with me on the behaff/blade was good but i think underworld beat it on this 1 + it dose have more then just vampires in it it has more gun’s killing and blood too\and more fine females to look at if the move wasnt that good
Posted on June 7, 2005 11:53 PM | #
45. Chantelle said:
I also would like a picture of Amelia’s dress. If you have one, or a working link, please send it to me: chanzy42888@comcast.net
Thanks!!!
Posted on October 1, 2005 11:30 AM | #
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