Underworld: Evolution Mini-Review (Spoiler Free)

[Big Bad Jack]

Just returned from the theater.

Let me start out by saying that the second offering is much improved over its predecessor in many ways.

Let's say right now that no, its not a perfect film, and has its flaws. The visuals are a bit too bright at what is supposed to be night in some cases, for example.

First and foremost, the plot is much more intimate this time around, and though still a bit overdone in places, it flows more evenly. The romance angle is considerably less forced, and benefits from it; the predictable sex scene, in the vampire film tradition was actually surpisingly classy and tasteful, with no actual nudity visible, and wasn't simply put in for "Ooh! Naked people!" value. The plot twists are actually not half-bad, tie together a few loose ends from the first film and deepen Selene's character.

The fights.. are much changed. Gone is the Matrix/Kill Bill-style wuxia nonsense. Don't get me wrong, I like the genre -- just not in my vampire/werewolf films. The battles are much more visceral, more Western-influenced, and considerably grimmer and more violent -- and the film benefits from it.

Ravenloftian material? More than last time around, at least; the setting of the climax for one is a very fitting locale for the Demiplane, and the overall feel of the film is darker and more horrific -- though this is not, by any means, a horror movie as I qualify such. Still, if you enjoyed the first one, you'll certainly like this offering; if you didn't care fpr the first.. I'd say give Evolution a fair shot.. it is a considerably different film while still feeling like the original enough to appease the fans of the first.

() () () () -- Four Blood Drops of Five

[alhoon]

I agree on all accounts with the Watcher but...
I give it 3.5 blood points (good enough) and I disagree with the Ravenloft feel even at the last part. Yes, old ruins can be fitted everywhere .