Saturday, July 7, 2012

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!
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This film is the prequel, or third installment, to the Underworld franchise. This goes back to the moment that began the war between Lycans and Vampires. Vampires reigned supreme and controlled the werewolves, who were unable to change to form and control their rage. Lucian was born as the first Lycan able to change form. Viktor saw this as an opportunity, and used Lucian to create slaves to protect them during daylight. This created a new race of Lycans. Lucian spends several years growing up as a slave, and falls in love with Sonja, Viktor's daughter. They keep their love secret until it becomes revealed. Lucian fights for the freedom of the Lycan slaves, and fights against Viktor for Sonja. 

This film was directed by Patrick Tatopoulos (his first directed film). This film is the prequel to the Underworld franchise. It is a retelling of the tale that audiences know from the films. Since it is a retelling, the familiar characters, from the films, are not present. This film follows the tradition of being more violent with hints of sexuality then its predecessors, so not a film for children. This film has a much simpler story to follow. It isn't too bogged down with untold history and unneeded action. The action is done well. It is bloody, but it has a purpose. It also compliments the story greatly. The story also returns to its romantic basics, but it does do so more than its predecessors. It does maintain it's gothic texture visually, but it introduces more wilderness and sunlight to its background. The special effects were good for this film, except for the blood. The blood appeared to have an usual glisten to it. The Lycans did appear to be moderately computer generated, but still looked great on screen. The transformations were well done though. The vampire effects were kept simple making it great to watch. 

The cast was great, all of the actors reprising their roles from other films. The most iconic character was not in this film, because she wasn't involved in the origins story. Michael Sheen returned to his role of Lucian. He was great returning to his role. He carried the story greatly, and managed to carry onto a more action performance. Bill Nighy returned to his role as Viktor.  He was great in his return. He showed his character's emotions without losing his menacing charisma. Rhona Mitra played the role of Sonja. It is unfortunate that her character did not become as iconic as Selene. She was great in her role creating a very likable character. Kevin Grevioux returned to his role as Raze. He did appear in the first Underworld film, and returned for the films prequel. He was great in this film. Steven Macintosh returned to his role as Tannis. He was good in his return to his character. He did change the character in that he was more manipulative. 

I give this film 4 out of 4 stars! It is a much better film to watch, because it remains simple. It also has a great emotional story.

Answer to last blog: Actor Brian Steele also played the Minotaur from Your Highness, as well as William in Underworld: Evolution.


Que: How was director Patrick Tatopoulos involved with the other Underworld films?

Lighting and Sound
Special Effects
Scriptwriting
Cinamography

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