Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is a prequel to the first two films, which means that it doesn't feature sexy vampire Selene, as played by Kate Beckinsale; without Beckinsale, the film is bound to disappoint many a fan of the franchise, for whom the sight of the actress in tight rubber trousers is a major draw. Instead, we get Rhona Mitra as Sonja, another badass female vampire - but a poor substitute in my opinion, both in terms of sex appeal and in acting ability.
Sonja is in love with Lucien (Michael Sheen), first of the lycans, werewolves who are able to assume human form. Unable to reveal his feelings for Sonja, and treated as a slave by the vampires, Lucien makes a daring escape and leads an uprising against the bloodsuckers.
There are some reasonably well-handled action scenes towards the end of this film, when the lycans (assisted by werewolves) do battle with the vampires, with some surprisingly juicy gore effects (and a few not-so-great CGI effects); unfortunately, with the bulk of the plot comprising of the doomed romance between Sonja and Lucien, I can't help but feel that I am just one step away from watching a Twilight movie. And that will never do.
Sonja is in love with Lucien (Michael Sheen), first of the lycans, werewolves who are able to assume human form. Unable to reveal his feelings for Sonja, and treated as a slave by the vampires, Lucien makes a daring escape and leads an uprising against the bloodsuckers.
There are some reasonably well-handled action scenes towards the end of this film, when the lycans (assisted by werewolves) do battle with the vampires, with some surprisingly juicy gore effects (and a few not-so-great CGI effects); unfortunately, with the bulk of the plot comprising of the doomed romance between Sonja and Lucien, I can't help but feel that I am just one step away from watching a Twilight movie. And that will never do.