Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
Every war has a beginning.

Plot: The prequel of the series, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans tells the story of the first Lycan half-breeds and the start of the war between Lycans and Vampires. Lycans were bred as slaves and day protectors of Vampires, until Lucian (Michael Sheen, Underworld), a well-trusted Lycan, leads a revolt against the Vampire captors. With the help of Sonja (Rhona Mitra, Doomsday), Vampire princess and daughter of Viktor (Bill Nighy, Underworld & Underworld 2), Lucian’s revolt against the Vampires becomes the start of the war between the two races.

When it comes down to it, Underworld 3 has simply retold a more detailed version of the story presented in Underworld. If you’ve seen Underworld, then you know the story of Underworld 3. TV spots, based on a single critic’s review, claim that Underworld 3 is the best of the series. I wouldn’t go that far. It would be more accurate to say “Underworld 3 is a movie in the Underworld series.” It was a great addition, but it wasn’t the best.

Underworld 3 had all of the elements of the previous movies: gore, violence, action, Vampires, Lycans, a sexy young Vampire in love with the enemy. Unfortunately, it was lacking something key that the previous two had: an original story. Since Underworld 3 is a prequel, you can almost forgive this flaw. However, it’s a prequel that you already know the exact story, since they told you the story in the first one! I think, given the extra detail you get from having an entire movie made from a story that comprised less than 10 minutes of Underworld, this can be forgiven, too.

The big problem I had with the movie was that I was bored, because I already knew what was going to happen. Maybe not exactly what was going to happen, but close enough to be left wanting. The action sequences were great, but – like most American action movies – the camera was too close to the action and it leaves you missing the big picture. Sure, you can see the arms flailing with hands holding swords, and yes, you can hear the contact of blade against blade, but what you’re missing is the flow of the action. Movement starts at the feet and legs, and extends through the torso and arms. Why don’t filmmakers let us see that? If you’re going to spend all the time and money on fight choreography, don’t you think you should show us what you paid for?

I think anyone that enjoyed the first two Underworld movies will enjoy this addition, but don’t go see Underworld 3 with expectations of seeing something new. It’s still Vampires fighting Lycans, and it’s still the same story, and you should expect as much. I enjoyed it, but as I’ve been told before (time and time again), I’m a sick son-of-a-bitch. Get some.