Underworld: Evolution Review
by Jerry Saravia (Faust668 AT msn DOT com)July 13th, 2007
UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION (2006)
Reviewed by Jerry Saravia
RATING: One star
What an unfortunate waste. "Underworld: Evolution" is the kind of sequel that forsakes imagination and style for the sake of ultraviolent set pieces and nothing more. In terms of gore and blood running thicker than water, "Underworld: Evolution" has that in spades. A story and interesting characters - not so much as a stake driven through the narrative.
Leather-clad Kate Beckinsale returns as Selene, a vampire who is partnered with a half-werewolf (or lycan) and half-vampire breed, Michael (Scott Speedman). The two have been on the run since they eliminated a vampire of the highest order in the last film, Viktor (Bill Nighy, seen mostly in flashbacks). They are being chased by a resurrected giant bat/vampire mutation (Tony Curran), though why he's after them is not really made clear. Eventually, Selene and Michael need to find a half-lycan and half-vampire breed named (Derek Jacobi) who has some sort of command center in Eastern Europe. His plans are never made clear, and Selene and Michael's own plans are not clear either. All Selene and Michael have to do is shoot to kill the vampire villain.
So we get plenty of action and gore. We get severed heads, lots of arterial spray, plenty of piercing flesh shots, lots of fangwork, some shoot-em up action, lots of jumps and flips done in slow-motion, and that is it folks. I didn't like the original monochromatic "Underworld" and this sequel is not any better - maybe I am old- fashioned but I don't think highly of vampires using guns. Kate Beckinsale looks good in a leather suit, but she may as well just do a nice spread for "Vanity Fair." Scott Speedman is agile yet non- charismatic. Derek Jacobi has some authority and presence, but his character feels fruitless.
Except for an exciting truck chase, "Underworld: Evolution" is a hackneyed, listless, humorless affair that will make your eyes strain, your blood curdle (and not in a good way) and will leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth. All you will remember is that monochromatic glow that will give you a migraine.
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