Mr March Posted January 21, 2006 Posted January 21, 2006 (edited) Recently, I came into possession of a bunch of free movie passes and have been enjoying them the last few weeks. I've been in the mood for some bad cinema lately, so this afternoon I decided to see the sequel flick Underworld: Evolution. Before I go into the film in detail, it would serve many of you to know that I disliked Underworld. Naturally, my expectations for Underworld: Evolution are going to be low and ordinarily, I wouldn't bother with a sequel to a movie that was very poor. But like I said, the movie was free and I was in the mood for some fantasy trash cinema. SPOILER WARNING!!! The Good For those fans of Underworld still reading, you'll be happy to know that Evolution is a better film. The special effects are much improved, the dark cinematography intact, the fighting is more interesting, and the pacing is mostly on track. For those that value a movie based on skin, it will be a welcome pleasure to note Evolution features a Kate Beckinsale nude scene as well as a few other nude scenes with some sultry undead seductresses. For action fans, Beckinsale actually sells her role as a Death Dealer in this film, showcasing a few f/x feats and punches, the absence of which hampered her waifish appearance in the original. The Bad Plot-wise, Evolution is a mess. The plot is mostly linear, beginning with a historical scene of the Vampire Lords when they imprisoned the first Lycan then stumbling along in the present assisted by several overused flashbacks. All the plot really does is just work to setup another big baddie battle (actually two) while trying to present an atmosphere of epic struggle with as much pretention as a used car salesman. So many elements lack enough screen time or mention to merit their significance that you would have to listen to a rabid Underworld fan to understand it all, but by then your ears would be bleeding red food coloring and corn syrup. This plot is helped in some respects by the hectic pace, since director Len Wiseman must know the audience really just wants to see more stylish special effects and monster mashing. However, even this formula fails when a lengthy exposition scene stuck in the middle of the second act tries desperately to solidify an already crumbling tale. Rather than put up with Steven Mackintosh's debaucherous Tanis, the character should have simply fought our heroes; it sorta worked for the rest of the film. The cinematography remains in the dark, the deeper dark, and then still more dark. While the original Underworld scored some visual points by stealing shots from DarkCity, The Matrix, and other such genre films, Evolution enjoys no such plagarism. Each set is just another variation of rocks made of polystyrene in shadows but with a different location, yet it all looks like the same location so who really cares? The final battle takes place in a set so similar to the final battle in the first film, I swear they reused the same set but added a bridge. Ooops, I don't think I was supposed to notice that! The Ugly Derek Jacobi's character is a joke. His motivations as Alexander Corvinus are so unbelievable given the circumstances one wonders how this man survived millenia as such a sap. His empathy for humanity is somehow overcome by affection for two monsterous sons he hasn't seen in hundreds of years. Somehow we're supposed to swallow that this protector of humanity has such love for his kin that he won't kill them, but prefers they be tortured by imprisonment within metal boxes for all eternity. Right. The backstory was a completely unecessary element of Evolution, its inclusion acting only as an immediate action dope for the fighting-phile fan audience. Ultimately it's wasted time that could have been handled with a small amount of exposition between characters and (gasp) a better plot. On the topic of plot, this one has more holes than all the ammunition spitting through the throwaway monsters. The origin story of the vampires/lycan is more incoherent than it was in Underworld, the sheer scope of the "underworld" is expanded to a scale so grand that it's anonymity to humankind is laughable, and the "love story" jumps so fast from complete strangers into soft-porn only if Selene was drunk would it explain her actions (and even that's a stretch). UV bullets, vampires with flashlights, and a host of ridiculousness overwhelms the audience with such tripe its like trying to avoid a rainstorm with a pizza pamphlet. Rating: One out of Five Stars. Underworld: Evolution gives bad cinema a bad name. It contains few of the entertaining elements of B-film and is virtually humorless. Movie monster enthusiasts may find a few things to enjoy, but everyone else would find more entertainment renting Dracula 2000 or a porn. Edited January 21, 2006 by Mr March Quote
Omni Existence Posted January 21, 2006 Posted January 21, 2006 For those that value a movie based on skin, it will be a welcome pleasure to note Evolution features a Kate Beckinsale nude scene as well as a few other nude scenes with some sultry undead seductresses. That's worth enough for me. Quote
myk Posted January 21, 2006 Posted January 21, 2006 (edited) Considering that it's Kate Beckinsdale, I can understand what you're saying. However, some of us are a little too jaded to be moved by that, even...Instead of going to see 'Evo I'm just going to run my Blade Trilogy collection... Hey Mr. March, thanks for taking the time to give such a thorough review... Edited January 21, 2006 by myk Quote
Skull Leader Posted January 21, 2006 Posted January 21, 2006 I thoroughly enjoyed the first one. Vampires? Check. Gunplay? Check. Kate Beckinsale? Check. Whereas the blade movies didn't interest me all that much, I enjoyed Underworld for the same reason I somewhat enjoyed Van Helsing (hot-as-hell actresses aside), the fact that I didn't have to give it a great deal of thought. I've always loved vampire stories (no, I'm not goth... anything but really), and while there was a decided lack of biting I thought it had everything it needed. I'm really looking forward to seeing the second one on sunday night (the GF and I would've saw it together tonight, but she had to work). Quote
Duke Togo Posted January 21, 2006 Posted January 21, 2006 Just curious... is it actually possible to "spoil" a movie like Underworld Evolution? Quote
Mr March Posted January 22, 2006 Author Posted January 22, 2006 Considering that it's Kate Beckinsdale, I can understand what you're saying. However, some of us are a little too jaded to be moved by that, even...Instead of going to see 'Evo I'm just going to run my Blade Trilogy collection...Hey Mr. March, thanks for taking the time to give such a thorough review... 362534[/snapback] I was in the mood for a ranting Quote
Mr March Posted January 22, 2006 Author Posted January 22, 2006 Just curious... is it actually possible to "spoil" a movie like Underworld Evolution? 362613[/snapback] Only if one has been avoiding pop culture for a lifetime up to until the point of viewing Underworld: Evolution Quote
Skull Leader Posted January 23, 2006 Posted January 23, 2006 Saw it earlier tonight with the GF. Both of us loved it. She thought it was not-as-good as the first, while I thought it was better. Quote
Mr March Posted January 23, 2006 Author Posted January 23, 2006 Enjoying a movie like Underworld: Evolution makes baby Jesus cry j/k Quote
DeathHammer Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 (edited) Please Delete Thanks Edited February 9, 2010 by DeathHammer Quote
wm cheng Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 Good review, I can see your points - but I did enjoy the film. I didn't think I was going to like it as much after seeing the trailers, but I did thoroughly enjoy the first outing that I couldn't let this one pass. I have to admit to being a rabid Kate Beckinsale fan though, and that black suit is inspiring. Also being an art director for film, I found the art direction quite good in the film - although the final battle castle was very much over the top I(but hey, its a fantasy - everything else is over the top!). However, it would not of been the same set as the first film - sets are always wrapped immediately after shooting - its just too expensive to tie up studio space to keep any set up for longer than the shoot schedule dictates. (They had to completely re-build the Millenium Falcon between the first and second Star Wars). However, the part I liked best about the first movie was the idea that these Vampires had co-existed in our society right under our noses for all these centuries - and established themselves in our societal structure (ie; bloodbanks). I like the urban settings (even though they stole every set out of the excellent German photography book "Underworld") which unfortunately was missing in this second film. With all that said, did I mention that Kate looked amazing in that black skintight leather corset?! and guns... p.s. anyone catch the trailer for "UltraViolet"? talking about another genre stealing KillBill/Matrix/AeonFlux film! Quote
Mr March Posted January 24, 2006 Author Posted January 24, 2006 Thanks for the review, good stuff. I've read somewhere that some video game or rpg sued the people who made Underworld. Was Underworld lifted from some other game storyline? 363443[/snapback] White Wolf Inc. sued Sony over the release of Underworld back in 2003. White Wolf Inc. claimed that the work of writer Nancy A. Collins and their own intellectual Role-Playing Game properties Vampire: The Masquerade and Werewolf: The Apocalypse were used for the film. White Wolf Inc. actually presented a very impressive arguement. They listed dozens of similarites when they filled suit (although the derivations of their own properties is in question). I'm curious how that all went. Quote
Mr March Posted January 24, 2006 Author Posted January 24, 2006 p.s. anyone catch the trailer for "UltraViolet"? talking about another genre stealing KillBill/Matrix/AeonFlux film! 363461[/snapback] I sure did. The Ultraviolet tailer played right before Underworld: Evolution. I had to restrain my laughter while watching Quote
1st Border Red Devil Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 White Wolf Inc. actually presented a very impressive arguement. They listed dozens of similarites when they filled suit (although the derivations of their own properties is in question).I'm curious how that all went. 363473[/snapback] No information has been available about the case for a while. My guess is that it was all settled out of court. Quote
EXO Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 Thanks for the review, good stuff. I've read somewhere that some video game or rpg sued the people who made Underworld. Was Underworld lifted from some other game storyline? 363443[/snapback] White Wolf Inc. sued Sony over the release of Underworld back in 2003. White Wolf Inc. claimed that the work of writer Nancy A. Collins and their own intellectual Role-Playing Game properties Vampire: The Masquerade and Werewolf: The Apocalypse were used for the film. White Wolf Inc. actually presented a very impressive arguement. They listed dozens of similarites when they filled suit (although the derivations of their own properties is in question). I'm curious how that all went. 363473[/snapback] My guess would be... CHI-CHING! Quote
Chewie Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 I sure did. The Ultraviolet tailer played right before Underworld: Evolution. I had to restrain my laughter while watching 363474[/snapback] So it's safe to assume you think every movie ever made has to be on par with "insert favotite movie name here" ? (kind of annoyed so can't really think of a stellar movie at the moment) Why is it so hard to believe that people who actually are intelligent like movies like this? It's simple, action filled (read hot chick and gun) nonsense that lets us kill 2 hours. Why does every movie have to be an award winner and filled with an awesome plot? Why can't it just be a movie? Quote
Graham Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 Actually, I'm quite looking forward to Ultraviolet. I enjoyed Equilibrium, the other film Kurt Wimmer directed. Graham Quote
DeathHammer Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 (edited) Please Delete Thanks Edited February 9, 2010 by DeathHammer Quote
Mr March Posted January 24, 2006 Author Posted January 24, 2006 (edited) *snip*So it's safe to assume you think every movie ever made has to be on par with "insert favotite movie name here" ? (kind of annoyed so can't really think of a stellar movie at the moment) Why is it so hard to believe that people who actually are intelligent like movies like this? It's simple, action filled (read hot chick and gun) nonsense that lets us kill 2 hours. Why does every movie have to be an award winner and filled with an awesome plot? Why can't it just be a movie? 363527[/snapback] This is just a movie review thread - my review. Don't take it personally, it's only an opinion and it's not as if you weren't adequately warned prior to reading the review. I obviously don't like Underworld or the sequel, but that doesn't mean the only films I like are award winners. I watch and adore my fair share of genre films that will never win any award. Sadly, films like Underworld and Underworld: Evolution fail to entertain even judging them as "just" an action flick or fantasy romp. When I watch my DVDs of Aliens, Terminator 2, The Matrix, and X-Men, I have no illusions about the acting, story, and style of entertainment. However, I also have no illusions that Underworld fails to offer entertainment in comparison to those contemporaries and as such deserves to be judged for the failure I deem it to be. Edited January 24, 2006 by Mr March Quote
Macross73 Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 (edited) I saw Underworld Evolution and I liked it, the effects could have been better in certain parts and maybe the plot tweaked, but i wanted to be entertained and I was. I'm not intersted in Ultraviolet, however i did see the trailer for X men 3 & Silent hill. Definately going to see both of them. I had my reservations about Silent hill but the effects do the game justice i just hope it doesnt blow. edit: forgot to mention V for Vendetta trailer was shown looks good! Edited January 24, 2006 by Macross73 Quote
wm cheng Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 Actually, I'm quite looking forward to Ultraviolet. I enjoyed Equilibrium, the other film Kurt Wimmer directed.Graham 363534[/snapback] AHH!! no wonder! I loved Equilibrium... very much underrated film. I will definitely see it now. Fantastic facist visuals! Quote
Zor Primus Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 I left the theatre during the first Underworld when Kate's character had to get mouth to mouth to not drown. Umm aren't vampires undead? How the frell can they drown??? I've read most of Anne Rice's books, I prefer her view of vampire lore above all the rest. Quote
emajnthis Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 Equilibrium was Way underrated and more so unnoticed. If Ultraviolet is from the same director then i'll definitely go see it. Quote
Mr March Posted January 24, 2006 Author Posted January 24, 2006 I left the theatre during the first Underworld when Kate's character had to get mouth to mouth to not drown. Umm aren't vampires undead? How the frell can they drown??? 363631[/snapback] You're thinking again! Are you saying all the flashy special effects and cool costumed heroes didn't distract you from that obvious gaping plot hole? STOP THAT! hehehe Quote
Zor Primus Posted January 24, 2006 Posted January 24, 2006 You're thinking again! Are you saying all the flashy special effects and cool costumed heroes didn't distract you from that obvious gaping plot hole? STOP THAT! hehehe 363702[/snapback] Guilty as charged! Quote
Skull Leader Posted January 26, 2006 Posted January 26, 2006 It wasn't. If I weren't a poor, 'ol grad-student, I'd easily pay to see it in the theater again. Quote
kanedaestes Posted January 26, 2006 Posted January 26, 2006 i cant wait for ultraviolet. I saw a lot of the cool stuff that made equilibrium great in the trailer. and i loved equilibrium. Quote
eugimon Posted February 6, 2006 Posted February 6, 2006 Haven't seen this yet, but now I think I am. I gotta say, it's getting pretty old to read these reviews that take a movie that doesn't pretend to do anything but entertain and hold it up to some weird uber-intellectualized gold standard. I wonder, for those film freaks out there who want every movie to be some deep philosophical intellectual masterpiece, do you guys only listen to classical music or orchestral piece? do you watch sitcoms or do you only watch Nova and masterpiece theater? Do you read the funnies or is it only the editorial page for you? It seems like such a dreary and over intellectualized world you all live in. I say yay for schlock. I say yay to music that you'll forget about in three months, I say yay to those people who want to have a good time and can appreciate fun for what it is. Yay for movies that don't need to teach us anything, yay for books filled mostly with pictures, yay for every movie made about a waifish girl that kicks ass and shoots big guns! Quote
myk Posted February 6, 2006 Posted February 6, 2006 Kate Beckinsdale is certainly not a waif... Quote
Dobber Posted February 6, 2006 Posted February 6, 2006 BTW - anyone else noticed that Corvinus' top operative was the BSG miniseries CAG? 367222[/snapback] That's where I've seen him!! Thanks!! My wife and I liked the movie. I agree with eugimon. Chris Quote
chrono Posted February 6, 2006 Posted February 6, 2006 Thanks for the review, good stuff. I've read somewhere that some video game or rpg sued the people who made Underworld. Was Underworld lifted from some other game storyline? 363443[/snapback] White Wolf Inc. sued Sony over the release of Underworld back in 2003. White Wolf Inc. claimed that the work of writer Nancy A. Collins and their own intellectual Role-Playing Game properties Vampire: The Masquerade and Werewolf: The Apocalypse were used for the film. White Wolf Inc. actually presented a very impressive arguement. They listed dozens of similarites when they filled suit (although the derivations of their own properties is in question). I'm curious how that all went. 363473[/snapback] I need a laugh. Do you have a linky for their agruements? I saw this last week. Overall it was fairly blah, not even the action/fighting was more then slightly interesting. Too much Matrix-wannabe BS that not even slightly inventive camera work could make look good. I was never impressed by their wardorbe, 18th century/goth/black leather was flatout corny in the first one and never got any better in the second one. ONLY semi-decent clothing was what Micheal stole to keep warm. And speaking of warm I was VERY VERY happy that this was staged in Asia that really helped to give it an 'old country' feel to it. The plot wasn't as full as it should've been, not an Aliens by far, and wasn't never more then a chase & fight, chase & fight, fight & drink blood, fight , fight repeat. Kinda like watching a FPS to be honest. What I do like is that now ALL the chips are up in the air(the leading Ancients are gone, the lines are blurried between the two, both pack and coven structures are in chaos, and Micheal has to learn to deal with drinking blood) and they have a clean enough slate to actually write a decent movie. Oh and I was happy that they finally showed that vampires were more then just strong people with fangs and guns. That totally bugged the hell outta me in the first movie. Quote
kanedaestes Posted February 6, 2006 Posted February 6, 2006 i concur with eugimon. honestly i love popcorn flicks, and the jerry bruckheimer blockbusters so that i can be entertained. i knew this movie would suck, not because it isnt an intellectual film, just for other reasons, yet i was still there in the opening weekend watching it. i do tire of people nit picking every damn movie saying it is just your average popcorn films. dammit sometimes thats all we want is to be transported from our boring dull lives to a place where will smith is an excellent marksman, and him and martin lawrence are stopping drug dealers in miami with hilarity. Quote
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