“Underworld: Evolution” (Screen Gems)
Why’s Kate Beckinsale in a movie like this Oh yeah, her husband directed it
Kate Beckinsale stars in “Underworld: Evolution” which is the sequel to the 2003 film “Underworld.” Once again the vampires and werewolves are fighting and the fate of the world hangs in the balance. It all is confusing and inconsequential but one fact still shines through – Beckinsale looks great in tight black leather.
Selene (Beckinsale) is still the hero of the day and the one person on earth fighting for good. She is a vampire and can’t be caught in the light of day but at night she goes about trying to keep people safe and to help her lover Michael (Scott Speedman) find out where he fits in to the plan of things.
Michael is a hybrid, part werewolf and part vampire, and is totally confused by it all. He fits right in with the audience. The plot of this film is so confusing that few will be able to know who is doing what or why. And if you somehow missed the original you will be even further out to sea.
It does come across that many, many ages ago there was a man named Alexander (Derek Jacobi), who had two sons. Marcus and William were their names. Marcus, or is it William, has been entombed and the other brother is trying to free him. Selene is trying to prevent this.
Selene can fly, or at least jump large distances, and is also a whiz at fighting. William has wings and big stingers with which he impales people. He also can read the past by biting his victims.
The plot really isn’t important in this movie. People who want to see it and enjoy it will be on the front row for the battle sequences. There will also be those who just crave a chance to ogle Beckinsale in leather. And she is quite a sight.
Speedman looks completely out of his league opposite her. He goes through the entire movie with a dazed look on his face. Why they didn’t get a more virile leading man is another mystery of the film.
Of course you might be wondering why an actress of Beckinsale’s stature is playing a vampire in a movie like this one. The answer is that her husband, Len Wiseman, is the director and co-writer. They are just keeping it all in the family.
The movie is rated R for profanity, violence and brief nudity.
You will enjoy “Underworld: Evolution” if you only want action and solid special effects. If you want a cohesive plot and outstanding acting you had best look elsewhere.
I scored “Underworld: Evolution” a blood sucking 5 out of 10.
