Release Date: January 20, 2006
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive strong violence and gore, some sexuality/nudity and language
Directed by: Len Wiseman
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy, Michael Sheen, Shane Brolly
Plot:
Underworld: Evolution continues the saga of war between the aristocratic Death Dealers and the barbaric Lycans (werewolves). The film traces the beginnings of the ancient feud between the two tribes as Selene (Kate Beckinsale), the vampire heroine, and Michael (Scott Speedman), the lycan hybrid, try to unlock the secrets of their bloodlines. The tale of action, intrigue and forbidden love takes them into the battle to end all wars as the immortals must finally face their retribution.
Review:
Evolution faces many of the problems that the original Underworld had. It offers a terribly simple story, its overblown in action and worst of all it lacks dialogue to make sense of what we are watching on the screen. To put it simple, if you enjoyed the loud action packed original, I don't see why the sequel will disappoint you. For those who actually want explanations, then you will feel lost and cheated the entire way through.
Kate Beckinsale is back as Selene and so is Scott Speedman as Michael Corvin. Undoubtedly, these two had something going for each other and this film united them as they fight alongside like a team. This film is what you would call more of a continuation than a second part film that goes another way. Evolution continues to battle between the death dealers who are vampires and the lykans who are werewolves.
Much of evolution is chases and battles. It features Selene driving away from creatures and lykans and when brave enough she fights with different types of weapons. Underworld: Evolution screams popcorn flick the entire way through. The film is fast paced, but that doesn't mean it will entertain you the entire way through. Anyone with an intelligent mind will find Evolution flawed, tedious and very limited. Director Len Wiseman does nothing to improve this sequel over its predecessor.
Wiseman directed the original and he takes control of this film as well. Many scenes are with usage of computer generated images and this is usually the case with modern action films. What Wiseman also fails in is the pace that makes it more like quick images that quickly leave the mind once concluded. Evolution certainly isn't memorable much like the first film which was similar in every way. One of the positives in the middle of all the negatives is the lead star, Kate Beckinsale. Once again she plays the part well and has the looks.
In no form or way does Beckinsale act solidly because the film doesn't even ask for it. Instead its passable acting, but not passable directing for Wiseman. He attempts to also involve a love between Selene and Michael, but what was slowly developing is destroyed in its conclusion. However, one thing every viewer can be proud of this film for is its costumes and sets because they are definite eye candy. I mentioned that this was the strongest aspect of the original and here I am mentioning it again.
Underworld: Evolution is the type of film to watch as a rental or on cable with a big tub of junk food. Its silly, stupid, fast and doesn't require any thinking. Its poorly written and directed, but can become entertaining for some. If you like vampires and werewolves, than I don't see how you can be disappointed. Overall though, Evolution is made for box office success and it will likely match its budget and even profit with its action fan base craving for another dark and cruel imaginary world. This film is a weak sequel though and its the kind of film that you know its bad, but won't find it torturous for multiple viewings.
