Review of: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Jan 30, 2009

Overall Rating: 9 Owner for some.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is a great example of The Gothic Aesthetic with it’s gothic wardrobe, gothic architecture, gothic cinematography style, gothic visuals, and gothic storyline. I loved this move and would watch it repeatedly, it is an owner for me.

Like many of the Underworld movies Rise of the Lycans also received a chilling welcome from many reviewers but I would attribute it to them not getting this movie. First there are the norms who do not get the gothic culture and are reviled by it’s presence so they would hate this movie because of it’s nature. Then there are those who are expecting this movie to be more like Underworld an action film first with vampires and werewolves in it. This is more like Underworld: Evolution a horror film that has some action in it.

Image via Wikipedia

Bill Nighy portrayal of Victor was brilliant. He is a cold, cruel man of strong beliefs , a mid-evil politician, a ruler, and yet he still has some heart when it came to a few subjects one of them his daughter. Bill’s performance really conveyed the inner torment over the choices that his duty and beliefs drove him to make. I was captivated at how he portrayed a nasty, evil character yet still got me to feel sad for his situation and empathetic at times.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans tells the origin story of the centuries-old blood feud between the vampires and their slaves, the Lycans. Around 1250 a young Lycan named Lucian falls in love with Sonja, the daughter of Viktor leader of the Vampires. Lucian emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor, the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them.

For more read Theater or Renter: January 2009

Likes

Stunning Visuals one of especial note is the sad king scene
Has a great love scene in it.
Bill Nighy portrayal of Victor
The story
Action sequences
Look of the werewolves
Escape scene
Gratuitous use of a ballista
Characters have great depth
Ending was brilliant

Dislikes / Concerns

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