Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Release Date: Friday January 23, 2009 Genre: Action Running Time: 92 min. Director: Patrick Tatopoulos Cast: Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Rhona Mitra, Steven Mackintosh, Kevin Grevioux, David Aston, Elizabeth Hawthorne, Larry Rew, Craig Parker
Ever since The Crow I’ve been waiting for a really great gothic love story. And although this isn’t as good a love story as The Crow (in the words of the Highlander "there can be only one") it is a beautiful love story in its own right. The tale of Lucian (Michael Sheen) and Sonja (Rhona Mitra) is a beautifully written tale of immortal star crossed lovers who can never be on account of the fact that one is a Lycan slave and the other Vampire nobility. The rules and traditions dividing them is the premise of the film.
For those unfamiliar this film is the story referred to in the previous two parts of the trilogy as being what sparked the war between the Lycans and the Vampires. Lucian is the first of his kind who can resume human form after transforming into a Lycan. Victor (Bill Nighy) uses him to breed a race of slaves who would watch over the Vampire race. He keeps them under control by putting a collar on them that has silver spikes on the inside, should they ever assume Lycan form (where they are most strong) they would surely die. After saving Sonja’s life Lucian is to be put to death for the removal of his collar. Instead he escapes and takes some Lycans with him. Together they turn anyone willing to fight the Vampires for freedom as they have become the oppressors of all the lands demanding payment for protection. Lucian can not only command the Lycans who can resume form but also those who are descendants of William who can never resume human form again. With this army he takes the castle after the death of his love Sonja and defeats the vampires. This would spark what would follow in parts 1 and 2 of the Underworld saga.
Aside from this film’s most excellent storyline the acting is impeccable All the characters are so believable as are their relations to one another. Unlike many fantasy films this film concentrates just as much on relationships and character as it does on effects and big bang. Even the Lycans who can never again resume human form are conveyed as having relations to one another and to Lucian most of all. The dynamic and chemistry between Lucian and Sonja is electrifying, great on screen chemistry. When I first saw who’d be playing Sonja I truly had my doubts, but, I am very happy to be proven wrong.
Aesthetically the film is like a giant macabre/gothic masterpiece of sorts. It’s simply beautiful to watch. Everything from the cinematography to the set design to the costumes is exquisite. All perfectly planned and wonderfully executed on the big screen. It’s a dark film that really works on screen as the light and shadow are meticulously calculated for effect and overall ambiance. The special effects are more a part of the film and characters (as previously mentioned) than they are show stoppers themselves. This is key because unlike many fantasy action films Underworld truly delivers the balance that is so lacking in many of today’s big blockbusters. This film works as a boys
night out movie as much as it does a first date movie. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is so multidimensional there really is something for everyone in it. I highly recommend it and truly do look forward to the DVD release.